DAIMLER V8 (1997)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 68 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,907
£242/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3996cc Petrol
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £2907/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3996cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 29 years old, 79% of DAIMLER V8s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 68 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 88,193 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
88,193
Average miles
214,600
Expected for age
The average 1997 DAIMLER V8 has 88,193 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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DAIMLER V8 by Year
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About the 1997 DAIMLER V8
The 1997 DAIMLER V8 is a performance with a 3996cc petrol engine. 68 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 88,193 miles at 29 years old, DAIMLER V8 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 DAIMLER V8 Fuel Costs
The 3996cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 DAIMLER V8?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
DAIMLER V8 Reliability Trend
Older DAIMLER V8s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 5 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1997 DAIMLER V8
At 29 years old, the DAIMLER V8 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. Note: with only 68 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1997 DAIMLER V8's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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
Medium riskWith an average of 88k 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.
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 DAIMLER V8 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAIMLER V8(1997) | 79% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2907 |
| JAGUAR XK8(1997) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| PORSCHE 911(1998) | 85% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| MERCEDES E(1995) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£510 |
| JAGUAR XJ(1998) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£510 |
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.
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