CarCostCheck

HONDA CR-V (1997)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 268 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

70%

Total Tests (2024)

268

Avg Mileage

128,330 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,017

Is the 1997 HONDA CR-V reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HONDA brand average of 84%.

At 27 years old, 70% of HONDA CR-Vs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 268 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 128,330 miles.

How does the 1997 HONDA CR-V compare?

Rank among all 1997 cars245th out of 320(top 77%)
Rank among all HONDA models382th out of 422(top 91%)
vs national average-12% (82% avg)
vs 1997 cars average-5% (75% avg)
vs HONDA average-14% (84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 1997 HONDA CR-V has 128,330 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 HONDA CR-V?

The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1997 sits between the two at 70%.

How much does a 1997 HONDA CR-V cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1973cc)
£1,327
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,017
Per month£168/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

HONDA CR-V by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202296%32620,832 mi
202196%13,28424,270 mi
202096%12,38929,574 mi
201996%15,14135,707 mi
201893%15,93146,102 mi
201791%20,23255,840 mi
201691%23,96265,255 mi
201590%23,53974,210 mi
201488%25,02983,042 mi
201387%23,93190,377 mi
201285%21,24994,887 mi
201183%17,179106,314 mi
201082%17,187111,296 mi
200979%16,755127,800 mi
200876%19,286133,540 mi
200774%26,436135,871 mi
200672%17,606137,398 mi
200570%16,222139,535 mi
200470%11,559135,916 mi
200369%9,218136,701 mi
200269%6,011141,722 mi
200170%2,186122,406 mi
200065%1,278122,901 mi
199967%1,607129,634 mi
199867%1,169126,291 mi
199770%268128,330 mi

Checking a specific HONDA CR-V?

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About the 1997 HONDA CR-V

The 1997 HONDA CR-V is a family car with a 1973cc petrol engine. 268 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 77% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 128,330 miles at 27 years old, HONDA CR-V owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 HONDA CR-V Fuel Costs

The 1973cc 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 CR-V?

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 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

HONDA CR-V Reliability Trend

Newer HONDA CR-Vs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 20 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 HONDA CR-V

At 27 years old, the HONDA CR-V 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

Alternatives to the 1997 HONDA CR-V

If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: