Microcar M (2017)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 73 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,930
£161/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
505cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £1,930/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
Check a specific Microcar M
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
78% of MOT tests on Microcar Ms from 2017 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 7 years old. That's based on 73 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 17,217 miles.
Got a Microcar M you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
17,217
Average miles
51,800
Expected for age
The average 2017 Microcar M had 17,217 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Looking at a specific Microcar M?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Microcar M by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Microcar M
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2017 Microcar M
The 2017 Microcar M is a city car. Our records list a 505cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 73 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 7% of 2017 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 17,217 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Microcar M 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.
2017 Microcar M Fuel Costs
The modest 505cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 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 2017 Microcar M?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,930 (£161/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £200 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.
Buying a Used 2017 Microcar M
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. Note: with only 73 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.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2017 Microcar M 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microcar M(2017) | 78% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,930 |
| Ford Fiesta(2015) | 81% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600-£330 |
| Vauxhall Astra(2016) | 85% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600-£330 |
| Fiat 500(2015) | 78% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,750-£180 |
| Audi A3(2018) | 92% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,630-£300 |
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 2017 Microcar M
Is the 2017 Microcar M reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2017 Microcar Ms ended in a pass, from 73 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2017 Microcar M cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,930 a year (£161 a month): £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 Microcar M?
78% of 73 MOT tests on the 2017 Microcar M ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 508th of 540 models first registered in 2017 (bottom 7%).
What is the average mileage for a 2017 Microcar M?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2017 Microcar M is 17,217 miles, which is significantly below the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Microcar Models
Explore other Microcar cars or similar models in the same category.
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Microcar M.
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in the UK: A Complete Cost Breakdown
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific Microcar M
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a Microcar M? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
With outstanding finance included