FORD PROBE (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 278 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
278
Avg Mileage
110,722 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1997 FORD PROBE reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 27 years old, 71% of FORD PROBEs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 278 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,722 miles.
How does the 1997 FORD PROBE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 FORD PROBE has 110,722 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 PROBE?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1997 FORD PROBE cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD PROBE by Year
Checking a specific FORD PROBE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 FORD PROBE
The 1997 FORD PROBE is a large car with a 2497cc petrol engine. 278 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 110,722 miles at 27 years old, 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 £1,592 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 PROBE?
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 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 27 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.
Alternatives to the 1997 FORD PROBE
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-4%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1998) 77% pass rate (+6%) from 8,057 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+7%) from 7,815 tests
- MERCEDES SLK (1999) 79% pass rate (+8%) from 4,295 tests