Renault Master (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 43 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,806

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

65%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2499cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

65% pass rate, £2,806/year to run. 17 points below average.

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Diesel2499cc30 years old43 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2499cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,806

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

65% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.

65% of MOT tests on Renault Masters from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 43 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 100,360 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models218th of 243(bottom 11%)

Rank among Renault models593rd of 615(bottom 4%)

vs average of all models-17%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average-10%(75% avg)

vs Renault average-15%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

100,360

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Renault Master had 100,360 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1996 scores 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Renault Master by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	152	28,548 mi
2020	83%	318	71,583 mi
2019	85%	1,198	79,215 mi
2018	85%	1,210	95,829 mi
2017	85%	1,218	85,063 mi
2016	84%	1,418	118,677 mi
2015	80%	1,500	108,076 mi
2014	82%	1,113	98,583 mi
2013	81%	1,211	113,599 mi
2012	78%	1,326	100,736 mi
2011	74%	1,379	123,849 mi
2010	72%	1,512	121,915 mi
2009	72%	1,514	122,599 mi
2008	73%	2,245	120,176 mi
2007	75%	2,771	109,564 mi
2006	71%	2,550	110,586 mi
2005	71%	1,599	122,732 mi
2004	69%	1,245	140,466 mi
2003	65%	818	135,247 mi
2002	68%	806	127,816 mi
2001	64%	652	129,800 mi
2000	65%	487	130,392 mi
1999	65%	386	130,912 mi
1998	67%	255	130,342 mi
1996	65%	43	100,360 mi
1995	65%	68	106,550 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

1998 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,806/year

69%

+4%

Ford Transit

1998 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,606/year

72%

+7%

Fiat Ducato

1997 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

71%

+6%

Toyota Hi-Ace

1998 · 2494cc Diesel

£2,606/year

71%

+6%

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About the 1996 Renault Master

The 1996 Renault Master is a van. Our records list a 2499cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 43 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 11% of 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 100,360 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Master owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1996 Renault Master Fuel Costs

The 2499cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1996 Renault Master?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,806 (£234/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Renault Master Reliability Trend

Newer Renault Masters pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1996 Renault Master

At 30 years old, the Renault Master is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. Note: with only 43 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 100k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1996 Renault Master stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Renault Master(1996)	65%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,806
Volkswagen Transporter(1998)	69%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,806same
Ford Transit(1998)	72%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606-£200
Fiat Ducato(1997)	71%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606-£200
Toyota Hi-Ace(1998)	71%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606-£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1996 Renault Master

Is the 1996 Renault Master reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 1996 Renault Masters ended in a pass, from 43 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Renault Master cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,806 a year (£234 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Renault Master?

65% of 43 MOT tests on the 1996 Renault Master ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 218th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom 11%).

Which year Renault Master has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Renault Master has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2001 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Renault Master?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Renault Master is 100,360 miles, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.