How much does a 1997 FORD F150 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 FORD F150?

The 1997 FORD F150 has a 76% MOT pass rate based on 49 tests in 2026. This ranks 149 out of 320 cars from 1997.

Which year FORD F150 is most reliable?

The 2017 FORD F150 has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%. The least reliable year is 2010 at 74%.

FORD F150 (1997)

Q: Is the 1997 FORD F150 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of FORD F150s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 49 tests. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1997 FORD F150?

The average mileage for a 1997 FORD F150 is 129,268 miles, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 49 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,907

£242/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4600cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2907/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol4600cc29 years old49 tests129k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4600cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 4600cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,907

Per month£242/mo

Per week£56/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 29 years old, 76% of FORD F150s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 49 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,268 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 cars149th of 320(top 47%)

Rank among FORD models912th of 1,167(top 78%)

vs national average-6%(82% avg)

vs 1997 cars average+1%(75% avg)

vs FORD average-9%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

129,268

Average miles

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1997 FORD F150 has 129,268 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-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?

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%.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

MERCEDES SL

1997 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,247/year

87%

+11%

TVR CHIMAERA

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,247/year

88%

+12%

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

1998 · 4477cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

+2%

BMW 840

1997 · 4398cc Petrol

£2,247/year

89%

+13%

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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 2026, 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 29 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 £2,907 (£242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 29 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1997 FORD F150's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Watch out

With an average of 129k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 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 FORD F150 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FORD F150(1997)	76%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2907
MERCEDES SL(1997)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£660
TVR CHIMAERA(1999)	88%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£660
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER(1998)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£510
BMW 840(1997)	89%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£660

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.