Morgan 4/4 (1996)
1996 Morgan 4/4
CarHunch analysed 100 real MOT records for the 1996 Morgan 4/4. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1996 Morgan 4/4 sits just below the UK average with a 78.4% first-time pass rate versus 80%, suggesting reliability broadly in line with other cars of this era—though the 13% dangerous defect rate is manageable and not a major red flag for buyers. The median mileage of just 24,246 is remarkably low for a 28-year-old vehicle, indicating these are either cherished classics or rarely driven, which actually bodes well for condition.
With nearly 2 failures and 4 advisories per vehicle on average, expect modest maintenance needs at MOT time, but nothing extraordinary given the age and likely sympathetic ownership. Before buying, inspect the service history carefully and budget for typical wear items, but don't be deterred by the pass rate alone—these numbers reflect a solid, characterful classic rather than a problem child.
What to check before buying a 1996 Morgan 4/4
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.
- 📄 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 Morgan 4/4
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1996 Morgan 4/4 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 Morgan 4/4 vehicles fall between 13,279 and 34,651 miles.
1996 Morgan 4/4 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 55 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 82% of the 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 Morgan 4/4
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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20.7%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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16.1%
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits
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16.1%
Nearside Front Axle king pin has slight play in pin and/or bush
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15.3%
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing
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11.6%
Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play
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11.6%
Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play
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10.7%
Nearside Stop lamp not working
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10.7%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1996. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Morgan 4/4?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.