Honda Legend (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 66 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3474cc Petrol

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Petrol3474cc29 years old66 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3474cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Honda brand average of 84%.

91% of MOT tests on Honda Legends from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 66 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 95,391 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models30th of 306(top 10%)

Rank among Honda models129th of 402(top half)

vs average of all models+9%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+16%(75% avg)

vs Honda average+7%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

95,391

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Honda Legend had 95,391 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2006 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 80%. The 1997 scores 91%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Honda Legend by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2009	81%	119	92,762 mi
2008	80%	186	98,586 mi
2007	83%	164	92,599 mi
2006	87%	104	97,097 mi
2002	94%	34	97,808 mi
2001	70%	37	97,616 mi
2000	76%	45	88,352 mi
1999	69%	94	116,873 mi
1998	81%	52	128,659 mi
1997	91%	66	95,391 mi
1996	75%	61	114,329 mi
1994	72%	47	131,111 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-13%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

-4%

Mercedes E

1995 · 3606cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-12%

Land Rover Range Rover

1999 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-12%

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About the 1997 Honda Legend

The 1997 Honda Legend is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3474cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 66 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 95,391 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda Legend 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 Legend Fuel Costs

The 3474cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 Honda Legend?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Honda Legend Reliability Trend

Older Honda Legends tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 5 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1997 Honda Legend

At 29 years old, the Honda Legend 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 2006 model has the highest pass rate at 87%. Note: with only 66 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 95k 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 Legend stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Honda Legend(1997)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£300
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
Mercedes E(1995)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£300
Land Rover Range Rover(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£300

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1997 Honda Legend

Is the 1997 Honda Legend reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 1997 Honda Legends ended in a pass, from 66 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Honda Legend cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Honda Legend?

91% of 66 MOT tests on the 1997 Honda Legend ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 30th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 10%).

Which year Honda Legend has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2006 Honda Legend has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 2008 the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Honda Legend?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Honda Legend is 95,391 miles, 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.