MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 71 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
71
Avg Mileage
128,169 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 1997 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 27 years old, 69% of MAZDA UNCLASSIFIEDs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 71 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 128,169 miles.
How does the 1997 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED has 128,169 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.
Best year to buy a MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 60%. The 1997 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 1997 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED 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.
MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 91% | 43 | 75,657 mi |
| 2017 | 79% | 68 | 96,220 mi |
| 2016 | 74% | 82 | 102,711 mi |
| 2015 | 77% | 74 | 96,497 mi |
| 2014 | 66% | 95 | 130,899 mi |
| 2013 | 66% | 50 | 136,777 mi |
| 2012 | 77% | 81 | 102,902 mi |
| 2011 | 65% | 98 | 130,473 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 132 | 134,498 mi |
| 2009 | 61% | 102 | 158,332 mi |
| 2008 | 64% | 110 | 136,686 mi |
| 2007 | 60% | 129 | 140,498 mi |
| 2006 | 66% | 128 | 144,369 mi |
| 2005 | 63% | 141 | 133,297 mi |
| 2004 | 65% | 126 | 142,876 mi |
| 2003 | 80% | 130 | 121,502 mi |
| 2002 | 69% | 105 | 123,795 mi |
| 2001 | 67% | 70 | 119,895 mi |
| 2000 | 70% | 131 | 118,259 mi |
| 1999 | 69% | 58 | 115,948 mi |
| 1998 | 69% | 90 | 124,592 mi |
| 1997 | 69% | 71 | 128,169 mi |
| 1996 | 81% | 58 | 133,838 mi |
| 1995 | 68% | 59 | 135,637 mi |
Checking a specific MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED
The 1997 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED is a large car with a 2500cc diesel engine. 71 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 128,169 miles at 27 years old, MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs
The 2500cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED?
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 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED Reliability Trend
The MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED
At 27 years old, the MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 81%. Note: with only 71 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED
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 (+1%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+7%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+6%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (+3%) from 3,080 tests