Carbodies Taxi/hire Car (1997)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 202 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,456
£205/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
2664cc Diesel
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2,456/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
81% of MOT tests on Carbodies Taxi/hire Cars from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 202 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 250,947 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
250,947
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car had 250,947 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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Carbodies Taxi/hire Car by Year
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About the 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car
The 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car is a taxi. Our records list a 2664cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 202 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 250,947 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Carbodies Taxi/hire Car owners cover more miles than the average driver.
1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car Fuel Costs
The 2664cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,456 (£205/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car
At 29 years old, the Carbodies Taxi/hire Car 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.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 251k 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbodies Taxi/hire Car(1997) | 81% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,456 |
| Volkswagen Transporter(1999) | 70% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,606+£150 |
| Ford Transit(1998) | 72% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,606+£150 |
| Fiat Ducato(1997) | 71% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,606+£150 |
| Toyota Hi-Ace(1998) | 71% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,606+£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 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car
Is the 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Cars ended in a pass, from 202 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,456 a year (£205 a month): £1,676 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 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car?
81% of 202 MOT tests on the 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 84th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top half).
Which year Carbodies Taxi/hire Car has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car has the highest MOT pass rate at 81% and the 1996 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Carbodies Taxi/hire Car is 250,947 miles, which is above the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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