LDV 200 (1997)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 30 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,177
£181/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
1905cc Diesel
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £2,177/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the LDV brand average of 69%.
87% of MOT tests on LDV 200s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 30 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 79,238 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
79,238
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1997 LDV 200 had 79,238 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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About the 1997 LDV 200
The 1997 LDV 200 is a van. Our records list a 1905cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 30 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 79,238 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, LDV 200 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 LDV 200 Fuel Costs
The 1905cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1997 LDV 200?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,177 (£181/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1997 LDV 200
At 29 years old, the LDV 200 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. Note: with only 30 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.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 LDV 200 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDV 200(1997) | 87% | £1,397 | £375 | n/a | £2,177 |
| Volkswagen Transporter(1995) | 69% | £1,676 | £375 | n/a | £2,806+£629 |
| Fiat Ducato(1999) | 72% | £1,397 | £375 | n/a | £2,327+£150 |
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 LDV 200
Is the 1997 LDV 200 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 1997 LDV 200s ended in a pass, from 30 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1997 LDV 200 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,177 a year (£181 a month): £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 LDV 200?
87% of 30 MOT tests on the 1997 LDV 200 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 52nd of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 17%).
What is the average mileage for a 1997 LDV 200?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 LDV 200 is 79,238 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.
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