FORD F150 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 49 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
49
Avg Mileage
129,268 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1997 FORD F150 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 F150s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 49 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,268 miles.
How does the 1997 FORD F150 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 FORD F150 has 129,268 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 F150?
The most reliable year is the 2017 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1997 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1997 FORD F150 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 F150 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 98% | 48 | 34,547 mi |
| 2018 | 94% | 65 | 53,011 mi |
| 2017 | 95% | 56 | 57,014 mi |
| 2016 | 90% | 39 | 72,450 mi |
| 2015 | 94% | 51 | 50,443 mi |
| 2014 | 84% | 62 | 82,995 mi |
| 2013 | 88% | 56 | 80,983 mi |
| 2012 | 85% | 34 | 85,006 mi |
| 2011 | 93% | 43 | 95,481 mi |
| 2010 | 74% | 89 | 114,486 mi |
| 2009 | 92% | 38 | 114,439 mi |
| 2008 | 90% | 31 | 118,268 mi |
| 2007 | 81% | 37 | 114,221 mi |
| 2006 | 89% | 55 | 97,988 mi |
| 2005 | 81% | 53 | 96,997 mi |
| 2004 | 78% | 116 | 90,131 mi |
| 2003 | 86% | 127 | 89,611 mi |
| 2002 | 85% | 116 | 125,901 mi |
| 2001 | 85% | 116 | 109,960 mi |
| 2000 | 85% | 94 | 110,388 mi |
| 1999 | 84% | 101 | 119,417 mi |
| 1997 | 76% | 49 | 129,268 mi |
Checking a specific FORD F150?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 FORD F150
The 1997 FORD F150 is a performance with a 4600cc petrol engine. 49 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 129,268 miles at 27 years old, FORD F150 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 FORD F150 Fuel Costs
The 4600cc 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 F150?
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 F150 Reliability Trend
Newer FORD F150s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 FORD F150
At 27 years old, the FORD F150 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 49 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 FORD F150
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES SL (1997) 87% pass rate (+11%) from 2,117 tests
- TVR CHIMAERA (1999) 88% pass rate (+12%) from 1,468 tests
- TOYOTA LAND CRUISER (1998) 78% pass rate (+2%) from 1,301 tests
- BMW 840 (1997) 89% pass rate (+13%) from 567 tests