Toyota Previa (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 270 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,606

£217/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2438cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,606/year to run. 10 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Toyota Previa

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel2438cc30 years old270 tests133k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2438cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,606

Per month£217/mo

Per week£50/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

72% of MOT tests on Toyota Previas from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 270 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 133,442 miles.

Got a Toyota Previa you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models161st of 243(bottom half)

Rank among Toyota models885th of 970(bottom 9%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average-3%(75% avg)

vs Toyota average-12%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

133,442

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Toyota Previa had 133,442 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.

Looking at a specific Toyota Previa?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1996 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Previa by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	77%	70	127,271 mi
2015	82%	77	125,612 mi
2014	94%	144	72,819 mi
2013	87%	166	66,720 mi
2012	76%	101	95,435 mi
2011	73%	81	118,173 mi
2010	73%	82	141,893 mi
2009	82%	50	130,305 mi
2008	89%	62	149,458 mi
2007	75%	61	132,101 mi
2006	76%	989	143,155 mi
2005	73%	1,236	141,444 mi
2004	71%	1,321	145,576 mi
2003	69%	1,113	143,020 mi
2002	71%	791	146,265 mi
2001	68%	820	147,869 mi
2000	69%	347	149,094 mi
1999	75%	230	130,612 mi
1998	69%	288	128,259 mi
1997	70%	292	126,789 mi
1996	72%	270	133,442 mi
1995	66%	209	131,539 mi
1994	76%	94	123,013 mi
1993	77%	133	141,239 mi
1992	75%	55	138,737 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Defender

1997 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

76%

+4%

Land Rover Discovery

1998 · 2499cc Diesel

£2,606/year

77%

+5%

Volvo 800 Series

1996 · 2460cc Diesel

£2,606/year

74%

+2%

Volvo V70

1998 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,606/year

71%

-1%

Check a Specific Toyota Previa

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1996 Toyota Previa

The 1996 Toyota Previa is a large car. Our records list a 2438cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 270 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 133,442 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Previa owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 Toyota Previa Fuel Costs

The 2438cc 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 Toyota Previa?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,606 (£217/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Previa Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Previas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1996 Toyota Previa

At 30 years old, the Toyota Previa 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

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 133k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 Previa 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
Toyota Previa(1996)	72%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606
Land Rover Defender(1997)	76%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606same
Land Rover Discovery(1998)	77%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606same
Volvo 800 Series(1996)	74%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606same
Volvo V70(1998)	71%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606same

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 Previa

Is the 1996 Toyota Previa reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1996 Toyota Previas ended in a pass, from 270 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Toyota Previa cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,606 a year (£217 a month): £1,676 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 Previa?

72% of 270 MOT tests on the 1996 Toyota Previa ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 161st of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom half).

Which year Toyota Previa has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Toyota Previa has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1995 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 Toyota Previa?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Toyota Previa is 133,442 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.