FORD EXPLORER (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 98 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
98
Avg Mileage
104,130 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1997 FORD EXPLORER reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 27 years old, 76% of FORD EXPLORERs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 98 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,130 miles.
How does the 1997 FORD EXPLORER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 FORD EXPLORER has 104,130 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a FORD EXPLORER?
The most reliable year is the 2005 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1997 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1997 FORD EXPLORER 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.
FORD EXPLORER by Year
Checking a specific FORD EXPLORER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 FORD EXPLORER
The 1997 FORD EXPLORER is a performance with a 4008cc petrol engine. 98 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 104,130 miles at 27 years old, FORD EXPLORER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 FORD EXPLORER Fuel Costs
The 4008cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 FORD EXPLORER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD EXPLORER Reliability Trend
Newer FORD EXPLORERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 FORD EXPLORER
At 27 years old, the FORD EXPLORER 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 2005 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. Note: with only 98 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 FORD EXPLORER
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XK8 (1997) 81% pass rate (+5%) from 3,443 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1998) 85% pass rate (+9%) from 3,337 tests
- MERCEDES E (1995) 79% pass rate (+3%) from 2,442 tests
- JAGUAR XJ (1998) 77% pass rate (+1%) from 2,154 tests