MITSUBISHI DELICA (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 32 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
32
Avg Mileage
134,608 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 27 years old, 69% of MITSUBISHI DELICAs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 134,608 miles.
How does the 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA has 134,608 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 DELICA?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 60%. The 1997 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA 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.
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 |
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI DELICA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA
The 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA is a large car with a 2970cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 82% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 134,608 miles at 27 years old, 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 £1,592 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 DELICA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 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.
MITSUBISHI DELICA Reliability Trend
The MITSUBISHI DELICA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA
At 27 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.
Alternatives to the 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-2%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (+9%) from 8,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+9%) from 7,815 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1999) 87% pass rate (+18%) from 3,668 tests