Daihatsu Fourtrak (1997)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 528 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,606
£217/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2765cc Diesel
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £2,606/year to run. 6 points below average.
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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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Daihatsu brand average of 71%.
76% of MOT tests on Daihatsu Fourtraks from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 528 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 126,295 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
126,295
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak had 126,295 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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 1995 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1997 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Daihatsu Fourtrak by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak
The 1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak is a large car. Our records list a 2765cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 528 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 126,295 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Daihatsu Fourtrak owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak Fuel Costs
The 2765cc 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 Daihatsu Fourtrak?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,606 (£217/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Daihatsu Fourtrak Reliability Trend
Older Daihatsu Fourtraks tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak
At 29 years old, the Daihatsu Fourtrak 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 79%.
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 126k 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 Daihatsu Fourtrak 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daihatsu Fourtrak(1997) | 76% | £1,676 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,606 |
| Land Rover Defender(1997) | 76% | £1,676 | £375 | Grp 25-38 | £2,606same |
| Land Rover Discovery(1999) | 75% | £1,676 | £375 | Grp 25-38 | £2,606same |
| Volvo V70(1999) | 72% | £1,676 | £375 | Grp 25-38 | £2,606same |
| Volvo 800 Series(1996) | 74% | £1,676 | £375 | Grp 25-38 | £2,606same |
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 Daihatsu Fourtrak
Is the 1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1997 Daihatsu Fourtraks ended in a pass, from 528 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,606 a year (£217 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak?
76% of 528 MOT tests on the 1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 136th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top half).
Which year Daihatsu Fourtrak has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Daihatsu Fourtrak has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 2001 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak is 126,295 miles, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Daihatsu Models
Explore other Daihatsu cars or similar models in the same category.
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2004 · 989cc Petrol
Land Rover Defender
1997 · 2500cc Diesel
Land Rover Discovery
1999 · 2487cc Diesel
Volvo V70
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