Fiat Motorhome (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 93 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,806

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2499cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,806/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Diesel2499cc29 years old93 tests85k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2499cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,806

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Fiat brand average of 83%.

69% of MOT tests on Fiat Motorhomes from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 93 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 85,311 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models247th of 306(bottom 20%)

Rank among Fiat models697th of 788(bottom 12%)

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

vs 1997 models average-6%(75% avg)

vs Fiat average-14%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

85,311

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Fiat Motorhome had 85,311 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1997 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Fiat Motorhome by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	77%	35	29,700 mi
2015	100%	32	23,703 mi
2014	93%	41	38,201 mi
2012	87%	219	35,784 mi
2011	90%	251	40,872 mi
2010	86%	209	44,270 mi
2009	89%	175	44,567 mi
2008	84%	307	47,034 mi
2007	85%	379	50,570 mi
2006	80%	283	51,460 mi
2005	77%	311	52,979 mi
2004	79%	371	59,674 mi
2003	76%	292	63,171 mi
2002	72%	239	66,743 mi
2001	68%	239	68,526 mi
2000	76%	184	63,507 mi
1999	71%	304	65,304 mi
1998	64%	107	73,325 mi
1997	69%	93	85,311 mi
1996	75%	56	97,419 mi
1994	49%	39	144,433 mi
1993	63%	70	141,909 mi
1990	67%	30	141,042 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

1999 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,606/year

70%

+1%

Ford Transit

1998 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,606/year

72%

+3%

Fiat Ducato

1997 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

71%

+2%

Toyota Hi-Ace

1998 · 2494cc Diesel

£2,606/year

71%

+2%

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About the 1997 Fiat Motorhome

The 1997 Fiat Motorhome is a motorhome. Our records list a 2499cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 93 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 20% of 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 85,311 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat Motorhome 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 Motorhome Fuel Costs

The 2499cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Motorhome?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,806 (£234/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Fiat Motorhome Reliability Trend

Newer Fiat Motorhomes pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Fiat Motorhome

At 29 years old, the Fiat Motorhome 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 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 90%. Note: with only 93 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 85k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 Fiat Motorhome 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
Fiat Motorhome(1997)	69%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,806
Volkswagen Transporter(1999)	70%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606-£200
Ford Transit(1998)	72%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606-£200
Fiat Ducato(1997)	71%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606-£200
Toyota Hi-Ace(1998)	71%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606-£200

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 Fiat Motorhome

Is the 1997 Fiat Motorhome reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 1997 Fiat Motorhomes ended in a pass, from 93 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Fiat Motorhome cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,806 a year (£234 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Fiat Motorhome?

69% of 93 MOT tests on the 1997 Fiat Motorhome ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 247th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom 20%).

Which year Fiat Motorhome has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 Fiat Motorhome has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 1998 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Fiat Motorhome?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Fiat Motorhome is 85,311 miles, 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.