FIAT HYMER (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 57 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Total Tests (2024)
57
Avg Mileage
91,019 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1997 FIAT HYMER reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 27 years old, 79% of FIAT HYMERs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 57 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,019 miles.
How does the 1997 FIAT HYMER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 FIAT HYMER has 91,019 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a FIAT HYMER?
The most reliable year is the 2017 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 60%. The 1997 sits between the two at 79%.
How much does a 1997 FIAT HYMER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FIAT HYMER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 94% | 109 | 11,578 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 140 | 15,151 mi |
| 2019 | 93% | 188 | 18,596 mi |
| 2018 | 94% | 233 | 20,256 mi |
| 2017 | 95% | 227 | 22,888 mi |
| 2016 | 93% | 116 | 29,274 mi |
| 2015 | 100% | 36 | 34,313 mi |
| 2011 | 82% | 39 | 39,971 mi |
| 2010 | 93% | 30 | 56,193 mi |
| 2008 | 91% | 43 | 58,019 mi |
| 2007 | 84% | 44 | 67,139 mi |
| 2006 | 86% | 84 | 58,769 mi |
| 2005 | 75% | 92 | 65,234 mi |
| 2004 | 86% | 132 | 66,922 mi |
| 2003 | 65% | 179 | 87,923 mi |
| 2002 | 67% | 123 | 86,957 mi |
| 2001 | 66% | 98 | 93,468 mi |
| 2000 | 70% | 87 | 90,902 mi |
| 1999 | 60% | 95 | 79,474 mi |
| 1998 | 70% | 93 | 80,976 mi |
| 1997 | 79% | 57 | 91,019 mi |
| 1996 | 76% | 55 | 107,831 mi |
| 1995 | 76% | 82 | 125,101 mi |
| 1994 | 69% | 104 | 110,238 mi |
| 1993 | 69% | 80 | 120,167 mi |
| 1992 | 65% | 117 | 117,177 mi |
| 1991 | 63% | 95 | 142,124 mi |
| 1990 | 63% | 54 | 135,402 mi |
Checking a specific FIAT HYMER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 FIAT HYMER
The 1997 FIAT HYMER is a large car with a 2500cc diesel engine. 57 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, 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 91,019 miles at 27 years old, FIAT HYMER 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 FIAT HYMER Fuel Costs
The 2500cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 FIAT HYMER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 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.
FIAT HYMER Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT HYMERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 FIAT HYMER
At 27 years old, the FIAT HYMER 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 57 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 FIAT HYMER
The FIAT HYMER is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel large cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-9%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (-3%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (-4%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (-7%) from 3,080 tests