LDV 400 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 36 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
58%
Total Tests (2024)
36
Avg Mileage
100,834 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 1997 LDV 400 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 24 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the LDV brand average of 69%.
At 27 years old, 58% of LDV 400s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 36 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 100,834 miles.
How does the 1997 LDV 400 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 LDV 400 has 100,834 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.
How much does a 1997 LDV 400 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.
Checking a specific LDV 400?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 LDV 400
The 1997 LDV 400 is a large car with a 2498cc diesel engine. 36 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 100,834 miles at 27 years old, LDV 400 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 LDV 400 Fuel Costs
The 2498cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 400?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 58% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 1997 LDV 400
At 27 years old, the LDV 400 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 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 LDV 400
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (+12%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+18%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+17%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (+14%) from 3,080 tests