TOYOTA RAV-4 (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 204 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
204
Avg Mileage
122,888 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1996 TOYOTA RAV-4 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 28 years old, 72% of TOYOTA RAV-4s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 204 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 122,888 miles.
How does the 1996 TOYOTA RAV-4 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 TOYOTA RAV-4 has 122,888 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a TOYOTA RAV-4?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1996 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 1996 TOYOTA RAV-4 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.
TOYOTA RAV-4 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 87% | 2,314 | 89,044 mi |
| 2013 | 86% | 2,378 | 89,784 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 2,968 | 92,727 mi |
| 2011 | 81% | 5,769 | 101,091 mi |
| 2010 | 81% | 5,925 | 108,667 mi |
| 2009 | 80% | 2,815 | 111,891 mi |
| 2008 | 75% | 2,882 | 118,412 mi |
| 2007 | 73% | 4,787 | 124,487 mi |
| 2006 | 72% | 5,749 | 125,232 mi |
| 2005 | 76% | 5,613 | 120,527 mi |
| 2004 | 75% | 4,420 | 119,012 mi |
| 2003 | 75% | 3,314 | 120,017 mi |
| 2002 | 74% | 2,212 | 116,302 mi |
| 2001 | 76% | 1,327 | 120,035 mi |
| 2000 | 76% | 463 | 112,097 mi |
| 1999 | 73% | 447 | 124,230 mi |
| 1998 | 73% | 482 | 122,929 mi |
| 1997 | 71% | 447 | 121,927 mi |
| 1996 | 72% | 204 | 122,888 mi |
| 1995 | 63% | 67 | 126,943 mi |
| 1994 | 77% | 39 | 129,896 mi |
Checking a specific TOYOTA RAV-4?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 TOYOTA RAV-4
The 1996 TOYOTA RAV-4 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 204 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 122,888 miles at 28 years old, TOYOTA RAV-4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 TOYOTA RAV-4 Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 TOYOTA RAV-4?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 RAV-4 Reliability Trend
Newer TOYOTA RAV-4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 TOYOTA RAV-4
At 28 years old, the TOYOTA RAV-4 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 87%.
Alternatives to the 1996 TOYOTA RAV-4
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 (-5%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1998) 75% pass rate (+3%) from 8,017 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+7%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+3%) from 5,268 tests