HONDA CIVIC (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,947 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
2,947
Avg Mileage
98,250 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1997 HONDA CIVIC reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HONDA brand average of 84%.
At 27 years old, 72% of HONDA CIVICs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,947 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,250 miles.
How does the 1997 HONDA CIVIC compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 HONDA CIVIC has 98,250 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 CIVIC?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1997 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 1997 HONDA CIVIC 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 CIVIC by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92% | 349 | 26,594 mi |
| 2020 | 93% | 7,003 | 31,000 mi |
| 2019 | 92% | 24,222 | 38,422 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 26,013 | 46,367 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 26,452 | 51,272 mi |
| 2016 | 89% | 26,607 | 63,520 mi |
| 2015 | 87% | 24,580 | 73,001 mi |
| 2014 | 86% | 23,400 | 81,465 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 24,777 | 91,361 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 21,831 | 94,140 mi |
| 2011 | 76% | 20,167 | 92,437 mi |
| 2010 | 75% | 31,308 | 104,886 mi |
| 2009 | 74% | 36,553 | 111,499 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 40,632 | 118,507 mi |
| 2007 | 72% | 45,025 | 122,456 mi |
| 2006 | 71% | 28,045 | 126,100 mi |
| 2005 | 73% | 24,685 | 110,833 mi |
| 2004 | 72% | 20,938 | 113,431 mi |
| 2003 | 70% | 14,502 | 108,344 mi |
| 2002 | 72% | 12,455 | 110,076 mi |
| 2001 | 70% | 8,335 | 103,354 mi |
| 2000 | 77% | 2,871 | 96,666 mi |
| 1999 | 75% | 4,540 | 98,943 mi |
| 1998 | 73% | 3,450 | 97,935 mi |
| 1997 | 72% | 2,947 | 98,250 mi |
| 1996 | 73% | 2,065 | 99,417 mi |
| 1995 | 80% | 1,223 | 100,022 mi |
| 1994 | 80% | 781 | 93,399 mi |
| 1993 | 88% | 427 | 92,937 mi |
| 1992 | 87% | 297 | 97,411 mi |
| 1991 | 83% | 581 | 103,278 mi |
| 1990 | 79% | 253 | 89,385 mi |
Checking a specific HONDA CIVIC?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 HONDA CIVIC
The 1997 HONDA CIVIC is a family car with a 1797cc petrol engine. 2,947 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 98,250 miles at 27 years old, HONDA CIVIC 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 CIVIC Fuel Costs
The 1797cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 CIVIC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
HONDA CIVIC Reliability Trend
Newer HONDA CIVICs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 HONDA CIVIC
At 27 years old, the HONDA CIVIC 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.
Alternatives to the 1997 HONDA CIVIC
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+1%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 8,442 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-2%) from 6,792 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+7%) from 6,287 tests