Fiat Scudo (1997)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 67 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,177
£181/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
1905cc Diesel
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2,177/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
81% of MOT tests on Fiat Scudos from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 67 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 143,158 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
143,158
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1997 Fiat Scudo had 143,158 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 1999 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 81%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1997 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Fiat Scudo by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 75% | 239 | 112,373 mi | |
| 2015 | 71% | 520 | 105,818 mi | |
| 2014 | 75% | 620 | 115,918 mi | |
| 2013 | 76% | 871 | 133,168 mi | |
| 2012 | 69% | 990 | 129,660 mi | |
| 2011 | 70% | 1,219 | 151,769 mi | |
| 2010 | 73% | 932 | 159,863 mi | |
| 2009 | 70% | 997 | 156,008 mi | |
| 2008 | 68% | 2,426 | 157,142 mi | |
| 2007 | 66% | 2,303 | 149,226 mi | |
| 2006 | 65% | 1,616 | 138,557 mi | |
| 2005 | 65% | 1,173 | 136,977 mi | |
| 2004 | 65% | 777 | 126,342 mi | |
| 2003 | 67% | 551 | 123,463 mi | |
| 2002 | 71% | 321 | 116,675 mi | |
| 2001 | 68% | 299 | 125,724 mi | |
| 2000 | 75% | 199 | 107,735 mi | |
| 1999 | 81% | 208 | 89,308 mi | |
| 1998 | 78% | 117 | 120,856 mi | |
| 1997 | 81% | 67 | 143,158 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1997 Fiat Scudo
The 1997 Fiat Scudo is a van. Our records list a 1905cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 67 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 143,158 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat Scudo owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 Fiat Scudo Fuel Costs
The 1905cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 Scudo?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,177 (£181/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Fiat Scudo Reliability Trend
The Fiat Scudo has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Buying a Used 1997 Fiat Scudo
At 29 years old, the Fiat Scudo 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 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 81%. Note: with only 67 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 outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 143k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 Scudo 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 Scudo(1997) | 81% | £1,397 | £375 | n/a | £2,177 |
| Volkswagen Transporter(1995) | 69% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,806+£629 |
| Fiat Ducato(1999) | 72% | £1,397 | £375 | n/a | £2,327+£150 |
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 Scudo
Is the 1997 Fiat Scudo reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 1997 Fiat Scudos ended in a pass, from 67 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1997 Fiat Scudo cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,177 a year (£181 a month): £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Fiat Scudo?
81% of 67 MOT tests on the 1997 Fiat Scudo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 86th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top half).
Which year Fiat Scudo has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 Fiat Scudo has the highest MOT pass rate at 81% and the 2004 the lowest at 65%. 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 Scudo?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Fiat Scudo is 143,158 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.
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