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Toyota Camry (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 40 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2995cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol2995cc30 years old40 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2995cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,888
Per month£241/mo
Per week£56/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

75% of MOT tests on Toyota Camrys from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 40 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 117,255 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models135th of 243(bottom half)
Rank among Toyota models775th of 970(bottom 21%)
vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)
vs 1996 models average+0%(75% avg)
vs Toyota average-9%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

117,255

Average miles

vs

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Toyota Camry had 117,255 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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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 96%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 78%. The 1996 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Camry by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202297%3739,198 mi
202196%44638,287 mi
202096%66443,951 mi
201994%75969,887 mi
2018100%3464,225 mi
2017100%4364,307 mi
201396%5362,075 mi
2012100%6075,728 mi
200489%46100,855 mi
200387%70113,647 mi
200286%189111,449 mi
200184%4995,017 mi
200077%35123,470 mi
199984%100123,640 mi
199878%174122,735 mi
199778%268124,512 mi
199675%40117,255 mi
199581%32106,634 mi
199451%45140,494 mi
199272%47122,600 mi

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About the 1996 Toyota Camry

The 1996 Toyota Camry is a large car. Our records list a 2995cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 40 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 117,255 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Camry owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 Toyota Camry Fuel Costs

The 2995cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 Toyota Camry?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Camry Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Camrys 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 Toyota Camry

At 30 years old, the Toyota Camry 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 96%. Note: with only 40 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 30 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 117k 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.

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 Toyota Camry stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Toyota Camry(1996)75%£1,958£375Grp 30-42£2,888
BMW Z3(1998)77%£1,958£375Grp 30-42£2,888same
Volvo 900 Series(1997)74%£1,958£375Grp 30-42£2,888same
BMW 3 Series(1995)80%£1,958£375Grp 30-42£2,738-£150
Mercedes SL(1996)88%£1,958£375Grp 30-42£2,738-£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 Toyota Camry

Is the 1996 Toyota Camry reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1996 Toyota Camrys ended in a pass, from 40 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Toyota Camry cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Toyota Camry?

75% of 40 MOT tests on the 1996 Toyota Camry ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 135th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom half).

Which year Toyota Camry has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Toyota Camry has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 1998 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Toyota Camry?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Toyota Camry is 117,255 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Explore other Toyota cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Toyota Camry.

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