Mazda MPV (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 42 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,806

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

52%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2490cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

52% pass rate, £2,806/year to run. 30 points below average.

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Diesel2490cc29 years old42 tests182k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2490cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,806

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

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

52% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 30 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

52% of MOT tests on Mazda MPVs from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 42 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 181,566 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models305th of 306(bottom 1%)

Rank among Mazda models458th of 459(bottom 1%)

vs average of all models-30%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-23%(75% avg)

vs Mazda average-29%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

181,566

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Mazda MPV had 181,566 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 48%. The 1997 scores 52%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mazda MPV by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	77%	62	109,722 mi
2013	71%	95	144,340 mi
2012	65%	99	132,388 mi
2011	66%	116	135,976 mi
2010	63%	99	140,352 mi
2009	65%	69	158,485 mi
2008	48%	148	155,171 mi
2007	77%	109	153,671 mi
2006	59%	117	149,458 mi
2005	56%	90	132,112 mi
2004	79%	56	138,845 mi
2003	62%	50	144,143 mi
2001	71%	38	102,181 mi
1999	59%	34	152,221 mi
1997	52%	42	181,566 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Defender

1997 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

76%

+24%

Land Rover Discovery

1999 · 2487cc Diesel

£2,606/year

75%

+23%

Volvo V70

1999 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

72%

+20%

Volvo 800 Series

1996 · 2460cc Diesel

£2,606/year

74%

+22%

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About the 1997 Mazda MPV

The 1997 Mazda MPV is a large car. Our records list a 2490cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 42 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 1% of 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 181,566 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda MPV owners drive about as much as the UK average.

1997 Mazda MPV Fuel Costs

The 2490cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 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 Mazda MPV?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,806 (£234/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 52% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Mazda MPV Reliability Trend

Older Mazda MPVs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 11 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1997 Mazda MPV

At 29 years old, the Mazda MPV 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 77%. Note: with only 42 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 out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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

Watch out

With an average of 182k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 52% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 Mazda MPV 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
Mazda MPV(1997)	52%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,806
Land Rover Defender(1997)	76%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
Land Rover Discovery(1999)	75%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
Volvo V70(1999)	72%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
Volvo 800 Series(1996)	74%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200

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 Mazda MPV

Is the 1997 Mazda MPV reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 52% of MOT tests on 1997 Mazda MPVs ended in a pass, from 42 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 30 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Mazda MPV cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,806 a year (£234 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Mazda MPV?

52% of 42 MOT tests on the 1997 Mazda MPV ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 305th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom 1%).

Which year Mazda MPV has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Mazda MPV has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 2008 the lowest at 48%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Mazda MPV?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Mazda MPV is 181,566 miles, which is in line with the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.