Mitsubishi Delica (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 32 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,088

£257/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2970cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Petrol2970cc29 years old32 tests135k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2970cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,088

Per month£257/mo

Per week£59/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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%.

69% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Delicas from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 32 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 134,608 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models252nd of 306(bottom 18%)

Rank among Mitsubishi models333rd of 390(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-6%(75% avg)

vs Mitsubishi average-11%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

134,608

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Mitsubishi Delica had 134,608 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 2010 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 60%. The 1997 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mitsubishi Delica by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	75%	36	94,463 mi
2020	75%	77	91,051 mi
2019	74%	100	100,739 mi
2018	70%	130	123,939 mi
2017	69%	106	109,400 mi
2016	76%	117	116,546 mi
2015	66%	97	116,793 mi
2014	56%	43	130,899 mi
2013	82%	55	97,648 mi
2012	78%	40	97,466 mi
2011	74%	38	111,636 mi
2010	84%	113	116,653 mi
2009	75%	84	91,518 mi
2008	79%	146	94,057 mi
2007	81%	251	101,820 mi
2006	70%	242	139,601 mi
2005	72%	317	130,744 mi
2004	71%	251	133,428 mi
2003	60%	236	139,928 mi
2002	74%	81	112,946 mi
2001	73%	52	100,619 mi
2000	76%	42	134,203 mi
1999	81%	31	106,700 mi
1997	69%	32	134,608 mi
1996	76%	59	149,890 mi
1995	76%	54	142,453 mi
1994	61%	41	147,145 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+9%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+9%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+18%

Porsche Boxster

1999 · 2687cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

+12%

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About the 1997 Mitsubishi Delica

The 1997 Mitsubishi Delica is a large car. Our records list a 2970cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 32 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 18% of 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 134,608 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Delica owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Mitsubishi Delica Fuel Costs

The 2970cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 Mitsubishi Delica?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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.

Mitsubishi Delica Reliability Trend

Newer Mitsubishi Delicas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Mitsubishi Delica

At 29 years old, the Mitsubishi Delica 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 84%. Note: with only 32 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.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 135k 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 69% 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 Mitsubishi Delica 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
Mitsubishi Delica(1997)	69%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£3,088
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888-£200
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888-£200
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£350
Porsche Boxster(1999)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£350

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 Mitsubishi Delica

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Delica reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 1997 Mitsubishi Delicas ended in a pass, from 32 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Mitsubishi Delica cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 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 Mitsubishi Delica?

69% of 32 MOT tests on the 1997 Mitsubishi Delica ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 252nd of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom 18%).

Which year Mitsubishi Delica has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 Mitsubishi Delica has the highest MOT pass rate at 84% and the 2003 the lowest at 60%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Mitsubishi Delica?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Mitsubishi Delica is 134,608 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.