Vauxhall Calibra (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 433 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2495cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2495cc30 years old433 tests110k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2495cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

82% 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.

82% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Calibras from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 433 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 110,370 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models67th of 243(top half)

Rank among Vauxhall models552nd of 870(bottom half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average+7%(75% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-2%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

110,370

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Vauxhall Calibra had 110,370 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 1994 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 82%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Calibra by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1998	76%	84	112,623 mi
1997	83%	346	114,525 mi
1996	82%	433	110,370 mi
1995	83%	222	103,825 mi
1994	88%	148	117,683 mi
1993	94%	68	110,305 mi
1992	74%	46	104,492 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

-5%

BMW 3 Series

1997 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-3%

Mercedes SLK

1998 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-3%

Porsche Boxster

1998 · 2480cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-4%

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About the 1996 Vauxhall Calibra

The 1996 Vauxhall Calibra is a large car. Our records list a 2495cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 433 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 110,370 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Calibra owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 Vauxhall Calibra Fuel Costs

The 2495cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 Vauxhall Calibra?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Vauxhall Calibra Reliability Trend

The Vauxhall Calibra has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1996 Vauxhall Calibra

At 30 years old, the Vauxhall Calibra 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.

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 110k 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 Vauxhall Calibra 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
Vauxhall Calibra(1996)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,738
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888+£150
BMW 3 Series(1997)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£150
Mercedes SLK(1998)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£150
Porsche Boxster(1998)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£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 Vauxhall Calibra

Is the 1996 Vauxhall Calibra reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1996 Vauxhall Calibras ended in a pass, from 433 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Vauxhall Calibra cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 Vauxhall Calibra?

82% of 433 MOT tests on the 1996 Vauxhall Calibra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 67th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top half).

Which year Vauxhall Calibra has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 Vauxhall Calibra has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 1996 the lowest at 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Vauxhall Calibra?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Vauxhall Calibra is 110,370 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.