How much does a 1997 DAIHATSU HIJET cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), including £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 DAIHATSU HIJET?

The 1997 DAIHATSU HIJET has a 72% MOT pass rate based on 260 tests in 2026. This ranks 204 out of 320 cars from 1997.

Which year DAIHATSU HIJET is most reliable?

The 1996 DAIHATSU HIJET has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%. The least reliable year is 1994 at 62%.

DAIHATSU HIJET (1997)

Q: Is the 1997 DAIHATSU HIJET reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of DAIHATSU HIJETs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 260 tests. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1997 DAIHATSU HIJET?

The average mileage for a 1997 DAIHATSU HIJET is 60,537 miles, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 260 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,625

£135/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£165

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 8-20

1221cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £1625/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

£905

Road Tax

Based on 1221cc

£165

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,625

Per month£135/mo

Per week£31/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.

At 29 years old, 72% of DAIHATSU HIJETs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 260 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 60,537 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 cars204th of 320(top 64%)

Rank among DAIHATSU models37th of 100(top 37%)

vs national average-10%(82% avg)

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

vs DAIHATSU average+1%(71% avg)

Mileage Analysis

60,537

Average miles

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1997 DAIHATSU HIJET has 60,537 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-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?

The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1997 sits between the two at 72%.

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

£1,577/year

84%

+12%

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About the 1997 DAIHATSU HIJET

The 1997 DAIHATSU HIJET is a small family car with a 1221cc diesel engine. 260 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 60,537 miles at 29 years old, 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 £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 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 4 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

Based on the 1997 DAIHATSU HIJET's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
DAIHATSU HIJET(1997)	72%	£905	£165	Grp 8-20	£1625
VAUXHALL COMBO(1999)	84%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£48

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.