Daihatsu Hijet (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 260 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,004

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1221cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,004/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel1221cc29 years old260 tests61k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1221cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,004

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/wk

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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

72% of MOT tests on Daihatsu Hijets from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 260 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 60,537 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models198th of 306(bottom half)

Rank among Daihatsu models37th of 100(top half)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-3%(75% avg)

vs Daihatsu average+1%(71% avg)

Mileage Analysis

60,537

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Daihatsu Hijet had 60,537 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 1996 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1997 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Daihatsu Hijet by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	84%	31	26,287 mi
2011	100%	31	47,417 mi
2005	77%	30	74,330 mi
2004	63%	49	80,985 mi
2003	72%	152	63,062 mi
2002	64%	233	64,346 mi
2001	67%	183	61,771 mi
2000	62%	146	70,050 mi
1999	67%	368	65,716 mi
1998	68%	285	62,174 mi
1997	72%	260	60,537 mi
1996	76%	122	69,244 mi
1995	72%	101	71,965 mi
1994	62%	63	58,613 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Combo

1999 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,177/year

84%

+12%

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About the 1997 Daihatsu Hijet

The 1997 Daihatsu Hijet is a small family car. Our records list a 1221cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 260 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 falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 60,537 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Daihatsu Hijet 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 Daihatsu Hijet Fuel Costs

The 1221cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 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 Hijet?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,004 (£167/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Daihatsu Hijet Reliability Trend

Older Daihatsu Hijets tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 6 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1997 Daihatsu Hijet

At 29 years old, the Daihatsu Hijet 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.

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 out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 Daihatsu Hijet 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 Hijet(1997)	72%	£1,219	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,004
Vauxhall Combo(1999)	84%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,177+£173

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 Hijet

Is the 1997 Daihatsu Hijet reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1997 Daihatsu Hijets ended in a pass, from 260 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Daihatsu Hijet cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,004 a year (£167 a month): £1,219 fuel, £230 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 Hijet?

72% of 260 MOT tests on the 1997 Daihatsu Hijet ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 198th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom half).

Which year Daihatsu Hijet has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 Daihatsu Hijet has the highest MOT pass rate at 76% and the 2000 the lowest at 62%. 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 Hijet?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Daihatsu Hijet is 60,537 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.