Mercedes Vito (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 203 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,761

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

66%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1998cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

66% pass rate, £2,761/year to run. 16 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc29 years old203 tests106k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,761

Per month£230/mo

Per week£53/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

66% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

66% of MOT tests on Mercedes Vitos from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 203 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 105,658 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models279th of 306(bottom 10%)

Rank among Mercedes models1359th of 1,376(bottom 2%)

vs average of all models-16%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-9%(75% avg)

vs Mercedes average-21%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,658

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Mercedes Vito had 105,658 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 66%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes Vito by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2024	100%	30	8,898 mi
2023	90%	138	34,230 mi
2022	91%	501	59,717 mi
2021	88%	4,675	62,567 mi
2020	85%	5,461	69,552 mi
2019	84%	15,564	94,618 mi
2018	85%	11,705	105,200 mi
2017	83%	16,514	128,006 mi
2016	81%	12,065	130,835 mi
2015	80%	9,882	140,680 mi
2014	79%	9,119	154,008 mi
2013	78%	9,645	167,479 mi
2012	77%	8,730	168,448 mi
2011	76%	6,819	168,028 mi
2010	76%	8,085	177,934 mi
2009	75%	7,897	177,659 mi
2008	74%	8,480	172,432 mi
2007	74%	8,446	172,589 mi
2006	73%	7,080	171,206 mi
2005	69%	3,857	154,561 mi
2004	68%	1,698	143,135 mi
2003	69%	885	126,821 mi
2002	67%	740	136,829 mi
2001	67%	452	123,331 mi
2000	70%	253	116,943 mi
1999	67%	401	118,559 mi
1998	66%	494	110,818 mi
1997	66%	203	105,658 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

1996 · 2490cc Petrol

£3,088/year

67%

+1%

Peugeot Boxer

1998 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+5%

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About the 1997 Mercedes Vito

The 1997 Mercedes Vito is a van. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 203 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 10% of 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 105,658 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes Vito owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Mercedes Vito Fuel Costs

The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 Mercedes Vito?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,761 (£230/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Mercedes Vito Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes Vitos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Mercedes Vito

At 29 years old, the Mercedes Vito 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.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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 106k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 66% 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 Mercedes Vito 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
Mercedes Vito(1997)	66%	£1,631	£375	n/a	£2,761
Volkswagen Transporter(1996)	67%	£1,958	£375	n/a	£3,088+£327
Peugeot Boxer(1998)	71%	£1,631	£375	n/a	£2,561-£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 Mercedes Vito

Is the 1997 Mercedes Vito reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 66% of MOT tests on 1997 Mercedes Vitos ended in a pass, from 203 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Mercedes Vito cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,761 a year (£230 a month): £1,631 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 Mercedes Vito?

66% of 203 MOT tests on the 1997 Mercedes Vito ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 279th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom 10%).

Which year Mercedes Vito has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Mercedes Vito has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 1997 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Mercedes Vito?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Mercedes Vito is 105,658 miles, 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.