HONDA CRX (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 104 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
104
Avg Mileage
97,755 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 1997 HONDA CRX reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HONDA brand average of 84%.
At 27 years old, 76% of HONDA CRXs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 104 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 97,755 miles.
How does the 1997 HONDA CRX compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 HONDA CRX has 97,755 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 CRX?
The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1997 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1997 HONDA CRX cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
HONDA CRX by Year
Checking a specific HONDA CRX?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 HONDA CRX
The 1997 HONDA CRX is a small family car with a 1590cc petrol engine. 104 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 97,755 miles at 27 years old, HONDA CRX 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 CRX Fuel Costs
The 1590cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 CRX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
HONDA CRX Reliability Trend
Newer HONDA CRXs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 HONDA CRX
At 27 years old, the HONDA CRX 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 86%.
Alternatives to the 1997 HONDA CRX
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-3%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-5%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+13%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-6%) from 6,792 tests