HYUNDAI ACCENT (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 132 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
132
Avg Mileage
73,797 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 1997 HYUNDAI ACCENT reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 27 years old, 65% of HYUNDAI ACCENTs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 132 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,797 miles.
How does the 1997 HYUNDAI ACCENT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 HYUNDAI ACCENT has 73,797 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 HYUNDAI ACCENT?
The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 74% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1997 sits between the two at 65%.
How much does a 1997 HYUNDAI ACCENT 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.
HYUNDAI ACCENT by Year
Checking a specific HYUNDAI ACCENT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 HYUNDAI ACCENT
The 1997 HYUNDAI ACCENT is a small family car with a 1341cc petrol engine. 132 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 92% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 73,797 miles at 27 years old, HYUNDAI ACCENT 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 HYUNDAI ACCENT Fuel Costs
The 1341cc 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 HYUNDAI ACCENT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,922 (£160/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
HYUNDAI ACCENT Reliability Trend
Newer HYUNDAI ACCENTs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 HYUNDAI ACCENT
At 27 years old, the HYUNDAI ACCENT 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 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 74%.
Alternatives to the 1997 HYUNDAI ACCENT
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+8%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+6%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+24%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (+5%) from 6,792 tests