RENAULT MASTER (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 43 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
43
Avg Mileage
100,360 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 1996 RENAULT MASTER reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 28 years old, 65% of RENAULT MASTERs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 43 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 100,360 miles.
How does the 1996 RENAULT MASTER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 RENAULT MASTER has 100,360 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a RENAULT MASTER?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1996 sits between the two at 65%.
How much does a 1996 RENAULT MASTER cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific RENAULT MASTER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 RENAULT MASTER
The 1996 RENAULT MASTER is a large car with a 2499cc diesel engine. 43 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 1996 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 100,360 miles at 28 years old, 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 £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 RENAULT MASTER
At 28 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.
Alternatives to the 1996 RENAULT MASTER
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1998) 69% pass rate (+4%) from 12,811 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+11%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1998) 77% pass rate (+12%) from 3,539 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (+7%) from 3,080 tests