MAZDA 626 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 59 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
59
Avg Mileage
89,138 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1997 MAZDA 626 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 27 years old, 78% of MAZDA 626s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 59 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 89,138 miles.
How does the 1997 MAZDA 626 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MAZDA 626 has 89,138 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.
How much does a 1997 MAZDA 626 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.
MAZDA 626 by Year
Checking a specific MAZDA 626?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MAZDA 626
The 1997 MAZDA 626 is a family car with a 1991cc petrol engine. 59 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 89,138 miles at 27 years old, MAZDA 626 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 MAZDA 626 Fuel Costs
The 1991cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 MAZDA 626?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MAZDA 626 Reliability Trend
Older MAZDA 626s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 7 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1997 MAZDA 626
At 27 years old, the MAZDA 626 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 59 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MAZDA 626
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-11%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-5%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-7%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+1%) from 6,287 tests