MITSUBISHI CARISMA (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 107 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
107
Avg Mileage
113,735 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1997 MITSUBISHI CARISMA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 27 years old, 75% of MITSUBISHI CARISMAs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 107 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 113,735 miles.
How does the 1997 MITSUBISHI CARISMA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MITSUBISHI CARISMA has 113,735 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 MITSUBISHI CARISMA?
The most reliable year is the 1999 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 59%. The 1997 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 1997 MITSUBISHI CARISMA 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.
MITSUBISHI CARISMA by Year
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI CARISMA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
The 1997 MITSUBISHI CARISMA is a family car with a 1834cc petrol engine. 107 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 falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 113,735 miles at 27 years old, MITSUBISHI CARISMA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 MITSUBISHI CARISMA Fuel Costs
The 1834cc 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 MITSUBISHI CARISMA?
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 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MITSUBISHI CARISMA Reliability Trend
Older MITSUBISHI CARISMAs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 10 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1997 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
At 27 years old, the MITSUBISHI CARISMA 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 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 77%.
Alternatives to the 1997 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-2%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+4%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (same) from 5,268 tests