Renault Megane (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 34 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,033

£169/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1390cc Petrol

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1390cc30 years old34 tests58k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1390cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,033

Per month£169/mo

Per week£39/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Renault brand average of 80%.

85% of MOT tests on Renault Meganes from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 34 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 58,237 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models50th of 243(top 21%)

Rank among Renault models252nd of 615(top half)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

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

vs Renault average+5%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

58,237

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Renault Megane had 58,237 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 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1996 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Renault Megane by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	86%	36	48,492 mi
2021	87%	1,286	32,847 mi
2020	88%	2,526	39,612 mi
2019	87%	4,883	42,735 mi
2018	86%	3,613	50,742 mi
2017	83%	8,849	61,637 mi
2016	80%	8,941	68,131 mi
2015	76%	12,406	81,732 mi
2014	71%	13,728	89,656 mi
2013	71%	14,134	94,541 mi
2012	71%	17,649	100,114 mi
2011	70%	25,760	102,094 mi
2010	69%	31,167	106,119 mi
2009	71%	19,161	108,465 mi
2008	68%	11,102	102,196 mi
2007	68%	12,029	99,693 mi
2006	67%	6,822	100,922 mi
2005	67%	4,212	97,221 mi
2004	66%	2,138	100,225 mi
2003	71%	1,476	97,801 mi
2002	71%	2,646	94,998 mi
2001	73%	1,731	95,603 mi
2000	71%	726	92,251 mi
1999	74%	390	80,794 mi
1998	73%	246	78,962 mi
1997	76%	153	82,236 mi
1996	85%	34	58,237 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1998 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

75%

-10%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

-6%

Nissan Micra

1998 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,383/year

69%

-16%

Toyota Starlet

1998 · 1332cc Petrol

£2,183/year

75%

-10%

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About the 1996 Renault Megane

The 1996 Renault Megane is a small family car. Our records list a 1390cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 34 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 58,237 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Megane 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 Megane Fuel Costs

The 1390cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1996 Renault Megane?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,033 (£169/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Renault Megane Reliability Trend

Newer Renault Meganes pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1996 Renault Megane

At 30 years old, the Renault Megane 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 34 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.

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.

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 Megane 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 Megane(1996)	85%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033
Mazda MX-5(1998)	75%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£295
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£528
Nissan Micra(1998)	69%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,383+£350
Toyota Starlet(1998)	75%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£150

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 Megane

Is the 1996 Renault Megane reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 1996 Renault Meganes ended in a pass, from 34 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Renault Megane cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,033 a year (£169 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

85% of 34 MOT tests on the 1996 Renault Megane ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 50th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top 21%).

Which year Renault Megane has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Renault Megane has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2004 the lowest at 66%. 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 Megane?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Renault Megane is 58,237 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.