Ford Probe (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 278 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2497cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol2497cc29 years old278 tests111k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2497cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

71% of MOT tests on Ford Probes from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 278 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 110,722 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models221st of 306(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models1008th of 1,136(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-4%(75% avg)

vs Ford average-14%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

110,722

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Ford Probe had 110,722 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 1996 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Probe by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1997	71%	278	110,722 mi
1996	77%	202	98,506 mi
1995	74%	330	95,045 mi
1994	77%	107	80,289 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+6%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+7%

Mercedes SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+8%

Vauxhall Astra

1999 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,761/year

69%

-2%

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About the 1997 Ford Probe

The 1997 Ford Probe is a large car. Our records list a 2497cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 278 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 110,722 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Probe owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Ford Probe Fuel Costs

The 2497cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 Probe?

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 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford Probe Reliability Trend

The Ford Probe has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 Ford Probe

At 29 years old, the Ford Probe 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.

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 111k 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.

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 Probe 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 Probe(1997)	71%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Mercedes SLK(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Vauxhall Astra(1999)	69%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761-£127

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 Probe

Is the 1997 Ford Probe reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 1997 Ford Probes ended in a pass, from 278 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Ford Probe 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 Probe?

71% of 278 MOT tests on the 1997 Ford Probe ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 221st of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom half).

Which year Ford Probe has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 Ford Probe has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 1997 the lowest at 71%. 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 Probe?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Ford Probe is 110,722 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.