CarCostCheck

DODGE RAM (1997)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 56 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

95%

Total Tests (2024)

56

Avg Mileage

112,854 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,097

Is the 1997 DODGE RAM reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the DODGE brand average of 84%.

At 27 years old, 95% of DODGE RAMs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 56 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 112,854 miles.

How does the 1997 DODGE RAM compare?

Rank among all 1997 cars15th out of 320(top 5%)
Rank among all DODGE models12th out of 69(top 17%)
vs national average+13% (82% avg)
vs 1997 cars average+20% (75% avg)
vs DODGE average+11% (84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 1997 DODGE RAM has 112,854 miles on the clock, 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.

Best year to buy a DODGE RAM?

The most reliable year is the 1994 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1997 sits between the two at 95%.

How much does a 1997 DODGE RAM cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 5654cc)
£1,592
🏛️Road Tax
£250
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£200
Total per year£2,097
Per month£175/mo

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

DODGE RAM by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202193%4035,482 mi
202087%3846,005 mi
201995%9443,294 mi
201895%13849,917 mi
201788%9460,734 mi
201693%10059,647 mi
201589%84101,702 mi
201489%7292,792 mi
201382%3987,998 mi
201274%70104,899 mi
201193%9195,481 mi
201086%10282,245 mi
200988%8996,442 mi
200890%39102,901 mi
200781%6895,193 mi
200687%128126,631 mi
200587%241101,775 mi
200484%30898,467 mi
200388%204111,648 mi
200292%123136,827 mi
200181%99111,545 mi
200095%41153,098 mi
199981%97114,083 mi
199882%85120,150 mi
199795%56112,854 mi
199681%126138,496 mi
199496%50141,844 mi
199268%76116,482 mi
199097%32120,628 mi

Checking a specific DODGE RAM?

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About the 1997 DODGE RAM

The 1997 DODGE RAM is a performance with a 5654cc petrol engine. 56 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 5% of all 1997 cars for reliability.

With an average of 112,854 miles at 27 years old, DODGE RAM owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 DODGE RAM Fuel Costs

The 5654cc 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 DODGE RAM?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

DODGE RAM Reliability Trend

Newer DODGE RAMs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 DODGE RAM

At 27 years old, the DODGE RAM 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 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 56 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Alternatives to the 1997 DODGE RAM

The DODGE RAM is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: