How much does a 1997 FORD MUSTANG cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

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

The 1997 FORD MUSTANG has a 84% MOT pass rate based on 125 tests in 2026. This ranks 63 out of 320 cars from 1997.

Which year FORD MUSTANG is most reliable?

The 2022 FORD MUSTANG has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%. The least reliable year is 2000 at 76%.

FORD MUSTANG (1997)

Q: Is the 1997 FORD MUSTANG reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of FORD MUSTANGs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 125 tests. That's 2 points above the national average of 82%.

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

The average mileage for a 1997 FORD MUSTANG is 77,032 miles, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 125 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4600cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol4600cc29 years old125 tests77k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4600cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 4600cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,757

Per month£230/mo

Per week£53/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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 29 years old, 84% of FORD MUSTANGs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 125 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,032 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 cars63th of 320(top 20%)

Rank among FORD models722th of 1,167(top 62%)

vs national average+2%(82% avg)

vs 1997 cars average+9%(75% avg)

vs FORD average-1%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

77,032

Average miles

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1997 FORD MUSTANG has 77,032 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 1997 sits between the two at 84%.

FORD MUSTANG by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	96%	54	13,235 mi
2021	91%	923	15,949 mi
2020	92%	2,330	18,792 mi
2019	89%	3,200	23,848 mi
2018	90%	5,727	30,511 mi
2017	90%	5,161	33,418 mi
2016	88%	6,644	36,878 mi
2015	88%	797	42,568 mi
2014	90%	193	54,631 mi
2013	90%	223	53,084 mi
2012	88%	250	63,500 mi
2011	82%	199	70,044 mi
2010	86%	242	71,217 mi
2009	88%	260	65,602 mi
2008	88%	463	57,208 mi
2007	87%	628	66,137 mi
2006	86%	651	73,935 mi
2005	88%	677	72,553 mi
2004	82%	147	59,270 mi
2003	85%	95	81,097 mi
2002	92%	75	77,428 mi
2001	85%	88	67,827 mi
2000	76%	128	75,538 mi
1999	88%	101	85,621 mi
1998	90%	70	115,083 mi
1997	84%	125	77,032 mi
1996	84%	170	96,301 mi
1995	84%	137	92,168 mi
1994	84%	124	84,772 mi
1991	98%	48	73,234 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MERCEDES SL

1997 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,247/year

87%

+3%

TVR CHIMAERA

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,247/year

88%

+4%

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

1998 · 4477cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

-6%

BMW 840

1997 · 4398cc Petrol

£2,247/year

89%

+5%

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About the 1997 FORD MUSTANG

The 1997 FORD MUSTANG is a performance with a 4600cc petrol engine. 125 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 1997 cars for reliability.

With an average of 77,032 miles at 29 years old, FORD MUSTANG owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1997 FORD MUSTANG 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 MUSTANG?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

FORD MUSTANG Reliability Trend

Newer FORD MUSTANGs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 FORD MUSTANG

At 29 years old, the FORD MUSTANG 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1997 FORD MUSTANG'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.

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 MUSTANG stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FORD MUSTANG(1997)	84%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2757
MERCEDES SL(1997)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510
TVR CHIMAERA(1999)	88%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER(1998)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£360
BMW 840(1997)	89%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510

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.