Isuzu Bighorn (1996)
1996 Isuzu Bighorn
CarHunch analysed 103 real MOT records for the 1996 Isuzu Bighorn. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1996 Isuzu Bighorn passes its first MOT attempt only 72% of the time, trailing the UK average of 80% and suggesting these vehicles need closer pre-purchase inspection. One in four has recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a material concern for a vehicle now nearly 30 years old.
These Bighorns typically clock 135,000 miles by test time, which is reasonable for their age, but they rack up an average of 4 failed items and 27 advisories per vehicle—indicating cumulative wear across multiple systems. Before committing to one, budget for immediate repairs and have a trusted mechanic inspect the brakes, suspension and engine bay thoroughly.
What to check before buying a 1996 Isuzu Bighorn
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 23.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Isuzu Bighorn
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1996 Isuzu Bighorn vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1996 Isuzu Bighorn vehicles fall between 107,793 and 172,752 miles.
1996 Isuzu Bighorn — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 15 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (28% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1996 Isuzu Bighorn
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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78.1%
Oil leak
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63.4%
Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play
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62.6%
Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play
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47.5%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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44.4%
Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel
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40.1%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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39%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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38.8%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1996. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Isuzu Bighorn?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.