Volkswagen Sharan (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 58 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,761

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

60%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1984cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

60% pass rate, £2,761/year to run. 22 points below average.

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Petrol1984cc30 years old58 tests159k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1984cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,761

Per month£230/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

60% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 22 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

60% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Sharans from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 58 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 159,071 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models233rd of 243(bottom 5%)

Rank among Volkswagen models1077th of 1,086(bottom 1%)

vs average of all models-22%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average-15%(75% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-25%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

159,071

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Volkswagen Sharan had 159,071 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 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1996 scores 60%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Sharan by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2024	94%	32	58,054 mi
2023	96%	45	36,329 mi
2022	83%	36	45,020 mi
2021	88%	2,860	26,033 mi
2020	89%	2,458	40,416 mi
2019	91%	9,709	92,208 mi
2018	89%	5,209	80,763 mi
2017	88%	5,436	99,674 mi
2016	87%	5,322	117,033 mi
2015	83%	5,386	118,143 mi
2014	83%	5,121	116,423 mi
2013	82%	4,249	112,359 mi
2012	81%	3,959	107,276 mi
2011	81%	4,078	115,991 mi
2010	77%	1,274	139,864 mi
2009	69%	1,013	139,940 mi
2008	68%	1,090	140,672 mi
2007	65%	1,352	142,445 mi
2006	64%	1,294	142,616 mi
2005	64%	1,301	142,399 mi
2004	66%	781	149,108 mi
2003	64%	501	150,605 mi
2002	69%	354	140,476 mi
2001	69%	163	131,329 mi
2000	75%	75	134,486 mi
1999	63%	57	129,752 mi
1998	77%	100	149,156 mi
1997	71%	79	132,258 mi
1996	60%	58	159,071 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1998 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

75%

+15%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+19%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+15%

Volkswagen Golf

1998 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+11%

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About the 1996 Volkswagen Sharan

The 1996 Volkswagen Sharan is a family car. Our records list a 1984cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 58 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 5% of 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 159,071 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Sharan owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 Volkswagen Sharan Fuel Costs

The 1984cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 Volkswagen Sharan?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,761 (£230/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 60% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Volkswagen Sharan Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Sharans pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 17 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1996 Volkswagen Sharan

At 30 years old, the Volkswagen Sharan 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. Note: with only 58 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.

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 159k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 60% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 Volkswagen Sharan 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
Volkswagen Sharan(1996)	60%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761
Mazda MX-5(1998)	75%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£433
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200
Volkswagen Golf(1998)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200

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 Volkswagen Sharan

Is the 1996 Volkswagen Sharan reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 60% of MOT tests on 1996 Volkswagen Sharans ended in a pass, from 58 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 22 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Volkswagen Sharan cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,761 a year (£230 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Volkswagen Sharan?

60% of 58 MOT tests on the 1996 Volkswagen Sharan ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 233rd of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom 5%).

Which year Volkswagen Sharan has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Volkswagen Sharan has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2003 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Volkswagen Sharan?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Volkswagen Sharan is 159,071 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.