FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 36 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
36
Avg Mileage
79,766 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1997 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 27 years old, 75% of FIAT MOTOR CARAVANs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 36 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 79,766 miles.
How does the 1997 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN has 79,766 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 MOTOR CARAVAN?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1997 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 1997 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN 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 MOTOR CARAVAN by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 92% | 66 | 39,734 mi |
| 2011 | 91% | 53 | 46,277 mi |
| 2008 | 76% | 63 | 42,291 mi |
| 2007 | 83% | 87 | 62,597 mi |
| 2006 | 71% | 80 | 60,663 mi |
| 2005 | 72% | 69 | 56,922 mi |
| 2004 | 87% | 77 | 58,316 mi |
| 2003 | 74% | 80 | 63,595 mi |
| 2002 | 67% | 49 | 70,049 mi |
| 2001 | 74% | 43 | 55,851 mi |
| 2000 | 69% | 75 | 64,943 mi |
| 1999 | 67% | 52 | 79,777 mi |
| 1998 | 82% | 57 | 103,197 mi |
| 1997 | 75% | 36 | 79,766 mi |
| 1992 | 77% | 44 | 110,725 mi |
Checking a specific FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN
The 1997 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN is a large car with a 2500cc diesel engine. 36 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 falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 79,766 miles at 27 years old, FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN 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 MOTOR CARAVAN 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 MOTOR CARAVAN?
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 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT MOTOR CARAVANs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN
At 27 years old, the FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-5%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+1%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (same) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (-3%) from 3,080 tests