RENAULT TRAFIC (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 559 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
559
Avg Mileage
76,673 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1996 RENAULT TRAFIC reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 28 years old, 71% of RENAULT TRAFICs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 559 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 76,673 miles.
How does the 1996 RENAULT TRAFIC compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 RENAULT TRAFIC has 76,673 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 TRAFIC?
The most reliable year is the 2002 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1991 model has the lowest at 59%. The 1996 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1996 RENAULT TRAFIC 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 TRAFIC by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 95% | 41 | 45,342 mi |
| 2020 | 82% | 201 | 70,208 mi |
| 2019 | 81% | 12,056 | 70,463 mi |
| 2018 | 79% | 13,004 | 83,333 mi |
| 2017 | 77% | 17,196 | 93,614 mi |
| 2016 | 75% | 23,776 | 101,544 mi |
| 2015 | 74% | 21,250 | 109,947 mi |
| 2014 | 72% | 13,474 | 120,058 mi |
| 2013 | 71% | 8,542 | 133,819 mi |
| 2012 | 70% | 9,250 | 140,116 mi |
| 2011 | 68% | 12,762 | 142,106 mi |
| 2010 | 69% | 11,152 | 150,690 mi |
| 2009 | 69% | 6,575 | 150,068 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 9,061 | 151,542 mi |
| 2007 | 69% | 9,074 | 154,963 mi |
| 2006 | 68% | 8,146 | 156,522 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 6,057 | 156,799 mi |
| 2004 | 67% | 4,893 | 156,061 mi |
| 2003 | 68% | 3,079 | 152,990 mi |
| 2002 | 94% | 5,279 | 123,882 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 107 | 150,406 mi |
| 1999 | 56% | 45 | 86,501 mi |
| 1998 | 72% | 129 | 72,790 mi |
| 1997 | 68% | 383 | 76,233 mi |
| 1996 | 71% | 559 | 76,673 mi |
| 1995 | 70% | 512 | 83,515 mi |
| 1994 | 65% | 533 | 80,976 mi |
| 1993 | 64% | 592 | 79,986 mi |
| 1992 | 63% | 694 | 88,962 mi |
| 1991 | 59% | 499 | 85,068 mi |
| 1990 | 64% | 504 | 79,676 mi |
Checking a specific RENAULT TRAFIC?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 RENAULT TRAFIC
The 1996 RENAULT TRAFIC is a family car with a 2165cc petrol engine. 559 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 76,673 miles at 28 years old, RENAULT TRAFIC 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 TRAFIC Fuel Costs
The 2165cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1996 RENAULT TRAFIC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
RENAULT TRAFIC Reliability Trend
Newer RENAULT TRAFICs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 RENAULT TRAFIC
At 28 years old, the RENAULT TRAFIC 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 2002 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Alternatives to the 1996 RENAULT TRAFIC
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-4%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+8%) from 6,287 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1997) 76% pass rate (+5%) from 5,880 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+4%) from 5,268 tests