HONDA ACCORD (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 258 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
258
Avg Mileage
91,465 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 1997 HONDA ACCORD reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HONDA brand average of 84%.
At 27 years old, 68% of HONDA ACCORDs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 258 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,465 miles.
How does the 1997 HONDA ACCORD compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 HONDA ACCORD has 91,465 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a HONDA ACCORD?
The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1997 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 1997 HONDA ACCORD 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.
HONDA ACCORD by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 91% | 33 | 22,983 mi |
| 2019 | 88% | 52 | 67,854 mi |
| 2018 | 94% | 31 | 73,072 mi |
| 2017 | 94% | 35 | 86,553 mi |
| 2016 | 88% | 43 | 97,345 mi |
| 2015 | 89% | 271 | 81,606 mi |
| 2014 | 85% | 749 | 87,396 mi |
| 2013 | 81% | 907 | 97,568 mi |
| 2012 | 81% | 2,112 | 113,227 mi |
| 2011 | 82% | 2,295 | 119,584 mi |
| 2010 | 81% | 2,197 | 125,954 mi |
| 2009 | 78% | 5,596 | 129,840 mi |
| 2008 | 77% | 5,176 | 132,715 mi |
| 2007 | 74% | 5,915 | 136,128 mi |
| 2006 | 72% | 5,204 | 138,856 mi |
| 2005 | 74% | 5,384 | 133,682 mi |
| 2004 | 72% | 4,569 | 134,145 mi |
| 2003 | 72% | 2,962 | 129,469 mi |
| 2002 | 68% | 1,035 | 104,275 mi |
| 2001 | 69% | 1,077 | 103,074 mi |
| 2000 | 67% | 1,358 | 103,738 mi |
| 1999 | 71% | 1,533 | 104,025 mi |
| 1998 | 72% | 615 | 103,030 mi |
| 1997 | 68% | 258 | 91,465 mi |
| 1996 | 67% | 178 | 111,129 mi |
| 1995 | 82% | 122 | 116,256 mi |
| 1994 | 72% | 87 | 102,804 mi |
| 1993 | 67% | 73 | 102,106 mi |
| 1992 | 80% | 81 | 107,686 mi |
| 1991 | 74% | 86 | 103,994 mi |
| 1990 | 80% | 60 | 94,120 mi |
Checking a specific HONDA ACCORD?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 HONDA ACCORD
The 1997 HONDA ACCORD is a family car with a 2156cc petrol engine. 258 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 83% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 91,465 miles at 27 years old, HONDA ACCORD 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 HONDA ACCORD Fuel Costs
The 2156cc 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 HONDA ACCORD?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
HONDA ACCORD Reliability Trend
Newer HONDA ACCORDs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 HONDA ACCORD
At 27 years old, the HONDA ACCORD 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 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.
Alternatives to the 1997 HONDA ACCORD
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 (-1%) from 8,643 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+10%) from 7,815 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1997) 76% pass rate (+8%) from 5,880 tests