Citroen Ax (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 40 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,810

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

954cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £1,810/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol954cc29 years old40 tests67k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 954cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,810

Per month£151/mo

Per week£35/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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

80% of MOT tests on Citroen Axs from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 40 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 67,349 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models96th of 306(top half)

Rank among Citroen models285th of 589(top half)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+5%(75% avg)

vs Citroen average+1%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

67,349

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Citroen Ax had 67,349 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1997 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Citroen Ax by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1997	80%	40	67,349 mi
1996	71%	199	67,593 mi
1995	77%	243	68,482 mi
1994	73%	117	81,190 mi
1993	68%	106	82,470 mi
1992	62%	90	92,686 mi
1991	92%	49	75,954 mi
1990	88%	56	81,835 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

+9%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-10%

Ford Fiesta

1999 · 1392cc Petrol

£2,383/year

67%

-13%

Toyota Starlet

1998 · 1332cc Petrol

£2,183/year

75%

-5%

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About the 1997 Citroen Ax

The 1997 Citroen Ax is a city car. Our records list a 954cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 40 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 67,349 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen Ax owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1997 Citroen Ax Fuel Costs

The modest 954cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 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 1997 Citroen Ax?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,810 (£151/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Citroen Ax Reliability Trend

Newer Citroen Axs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Citroen Ax

At 29 years old, the Citroen Ax 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 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 77%. Note: with only 40 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.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

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.

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 1997 Citroen Ax 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
Citroen Ax(1997)	80%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810
Vauxhall Corsa(1999)	89%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810same
Nissan Micra(1999)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£373
Ford Fiesta(1999)	67%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,383+£573
Toyota Starlet(1998)	75%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£373

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 Citroen Ax

Is the 1997 Citroen Ax reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 1997 Citroen Axs ended in a pass, from 40 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Citroen Ax cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,810 a year (£151 a month): £1,175 fuel, £230 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 Citroen Ax?

80% of 40 MOT tests on the 1997 Citroen Ax ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 96th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top half).

Which year Citroen Ax has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Citroen Ax has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 1993 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 Citroen Ax?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Citroen Ax is 67,349 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.