VAUXHALL COMBO (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 79 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
79
Avg Mileage
107,082 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 1996 VAUXHALL COMBO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 28 years old, 75% of VAUXHALL COMBOs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 79 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 107,082 miles.
How does the 1996 VAUXHALL COMBO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 VAUXHALL COMBO has 107,082 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 VAUXHALL COMBO?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1996 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 1996 VAUXHALL COMBO cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VAUXHALL COMBO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 85% | 2,256 | 44,074 mi |
| 2020 | 82% | 16,650 | 50,243 mi |
| 2019 | 84% | 26,189 | 56,702 mi |
| 2018 | 81% | 5,210 | 68,773 mi |
| 2017 | 77% | 6,624 | 82,586 mi |
| 2016 | 75% | 9,354 | 96,356 mi |
| 2015 | 74% | 9,819 | 102,757 mi |
| 2014 | 73% | 9,086 | 106,793 mi |
| 2013 | 72% | 6,354 | 111,544 mi |
| 2012 | 70% | 5,907 | 115,666 mi |
| 2011 | 74% | 13,518 | 110,613 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 12,858 | 110,980 mi |
| 2009 | 69% | 8,183 | 121,545 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 10,804 | 129,928 mi |
| 2007 | 68% | 9,039 | 133,235 mi |
| 2006 | 66% | 6,903 | 128,920 mi |
| 2005 | 67% | 4,689 | 128,941 mi |
| 2004 | 65% | 4,226 | 139,747 mi |
| 2003 | 65% | 3,142 | 138,909 mi |
| 2002 | 67% | 960 | 137,264 mi |
| 2001 | 66% | 180 | 111,186 mi |
| 2000 | 67% | 83 | 110,182 mi |
| 1999 | 84% | 106 | 105,727 mi |
| 1998 | 83% | 81 | 123,220 mi |
| 1997 | 79% | 47 | 134,272 mi |
| 1996 | 75% | 79 | 107,082 mi |
| 1995 | 71% | 49 | 116,969 mi |
Checking a specific VAUXHALL COMBO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 VAUXHALL COMBO
The 1996 VAUXHALL COMBO is a family car with a 1686cc diesel engine. 79 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 107,082 miles at 28 years old, VAUXHALL COMBO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 VAUXHALL COMBO Fuel Costs
The 1686cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 VAUXHALL COMBO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 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.
VAUXHALL COMBO Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL COMBOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 VAUXHALL COMBO
At 28 years old, the VAUXHALL COMBO 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 85%. Note: with only 79 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1996 VAUXHALL COMBO
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (1998) 65% pass rate (-10%) from 4,382 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1998) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 3,841 tests
- MERCEDES C (1997) 81% pass rate (+6%) from 2,336 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (1998) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 1,681 tests