Dodge Ram (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 56 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

95%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

5654cc Petrol

Great Choice

95% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 13 points above average.

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Petrol5654cc29 years old56 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 5654cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

95% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Dodge brand average of 84%.

95% of MOT tests on Dodge Rams from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 56 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 112,854 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models15th of 306(top 5%)

Rank among Dodge models7th of 59(top 12%)

vs average of all models+13%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+20%(75% avg)

vs Dodge average+11%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

112,854

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Dodge Ram had 112,854 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 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 81%. The 1997 scores 95%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Dodge Ram by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	40	35,482 mi
2020	87%	38	46,005 mi
2019	95%	94	43,294 mi
2018	95%	138	49,917 mi
2017	88%	94	60,734 mi
2016	93%	100	59,647 mi
2015	89%	84	101,702 mi
2014	89%	72	92,792 mi
2013	82%	39	87,998 mi
2012	74%	70	104,899 mi
2011	93%	91	95,481 mi
2010	86%	102	82,245 mi
2009	88%	89	96,442 mi
2008	90%	39	102,901 mi
2007	81%	68	95,193 mi
2006	87%	128	126,631 mi
2005	87%	241	101,775 mi
2004	84%	308	98,467 mi
2003	88%	204	111,648 mi
2002	92%	123	136,827 mi
2001	81%	99	111,545 mi
2000	95%	41	153,098 mi
1999	81%	97	114,083 mi
1998	82%	85	120,150 mi
1997	95%	56	112,854 mi
1996	81%	126	138,496 mi
1994	96%	50	141,844 mi
1992	68%	76	116,482 mi
1990	97%	32	120,628 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XJ

1996 · 5993cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

-13%

Mercedes S-Class

1996 · 5987cc Petrol

£2,738/year

83%

-12%

Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph

1998 · 5379cc Petrol

£2,588/year

93%

-2%

Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

1999 · 5899cc Petrol

£2,888/year

70%

-25%

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About the 1997 Dodge Ram

The 1997 Dodge Ram is a large-engined car. Our records list a 5654cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 56 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 5% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 112,854 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 Dodge Ram?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 3 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Dodge Ram

At 29 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 56 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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 risk

Larger 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 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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 113k 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 risk

High-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 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 Dodge Ram 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
Dodge Ram(1997)	95%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588
Jaguar XJ(1996)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
Mercedes S-Class(1996)	83%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph(1998)	93%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588same
Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee(1999)	70%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£300

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 Dodge Ram

Is the 1997 Dodge Ram reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 95% of MOT tests on 1997 Dodge Rams ended in a pass, from 56 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Dodge Ram cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Dodge Ram?

95% of 56 MOT tests on the 1997 Dodge Ram ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 15th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 5%).

Which year Dodge Ram has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Dodge Ram has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1996 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Dodge Ram?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Dodge Ram is 112,854 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.