Ford F150 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 49 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4600cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,888/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

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

76% of MOT tests on Ford F150s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 49 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 129,268 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models144th of 306(top half)

Rank among Ford models889th of 1,136(bottom 22%)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

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

vs Ford average-9%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

129,268

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Ford F150 had 129,268 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 2003 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 86%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 78%. The 1997 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

£2,738/year

87%

+11%

TVR Chimaera

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

+12%

Toyota Land Cruiser

1998 · 4477cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+2%

BMW 840

1997 · 4398cc Petrol

£2,738/year

89%

+13%

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About the 1997 Ford F150

The 1997 Ford F150 is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4600cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 49 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 129,268 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 Ford F150?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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

The Ford F150 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 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 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 86%. Note: with only 49 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.

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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford F150(1997)	76%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Mercedes SL(1997)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
TVR Chimaera(1999)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Toyota Land Cruiser(1998)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
BMW 840(1997)	89%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£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 Ford F150

Is the 1997 Ford F150 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1997 Ford F150s ended in a pass, from 49 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Ford F150 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

76% of 49 MOT tests on the 1997 Ford F150 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 144th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top half).

Which year Ford F150 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 Ford F150 has the highest MOT pass rate at 86% and the 2004 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Ford F150?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Ford F150 is 129,268 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.