How much does a 1997 HONDA CIVIC cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 HONDA CIVIC?

The 1997 HONDA CIVIC has a 72% MOT pass rate based on 2,947 tests in 2026. This ranks 197 out of 320 cars from 1997.

Which year HONDA CIVIC is most reliable?

The 2020 HONDA CIVIC has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%. The least reliable year is 2001 at 70%.

HONDA CIVIC (1997)

Q: Is the 1997 HONDA CIVIC reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of HONDA CIVICs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,947 tests. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1997 HONDA CIVIC?

The average mileage for a 1997 HONDA CIVIC is 98,250 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 2,947 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1797cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1797cc29 years old2,947 tests98k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1797cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1797cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 29 years old, 72% of HONDA CIVICs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,947 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,250 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 cars197th of 320(top 62%)

Rank among HONDA models354th of 422(top 84%)

vs national average-10%(82% avg)

vs 1997 cars average-3%(75% avg)

vs HONDA average-12%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

98,250

Average miles

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1997 HONDA CIVIC has 98,250 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 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%.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

MAZDA MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

+1%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,017/year

71%

-1%

NISSAN MICRA

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£1,722/year

70%

-2%

BMW 3 SERIES

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,017/year

79%

+7%

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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 2026, 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 29 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 £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 29 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1997 HONDA CIVIC'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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 98k 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 HONDA CIVIC stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
HONDA CIVIC(1997)	72%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
MAZDA MX-5(1999)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999)	71%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£180
NISSAN MICRA(1999)	70%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£475
BMW 3 SERIES(1998)	79%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£180

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.