How much does a 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,777 (£231/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA?

The 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA has a 69% MOT pass rate based on 32 tests in 2026. This ranks 261 out of 320 cars from 1997.

Which year MITSUBISHI DELICA is most reliable?

The 2010 MITSUBISHI DELICA has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%. The least reliable year is 2003 at 60%.

MITSUBISHI DELICA (1997)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA?

The average mileage for a 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA is 134,608 miles, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 32 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,777

£231/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2970cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2777/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

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2970cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,777

Per month£231/mo

Per week£53/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 29 years old, 69% of MITSUBISHI DELICAs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 134,608 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 cars261th of 320(top 82%)

Rank among MITSUBISHI models350th of 408(top 86%)

vs national average-13%(82% avg)

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

vs MITSUBISHI average-11%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

134,608

Average miles

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA has 134,608 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-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?

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%.

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

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VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

1996 · 2490cc Petrol

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BMW Z3

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78%

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BMW 3 SERIES

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£2,397/year

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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 2026, 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 29 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 £2,777 (£231/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 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

Based on the 1997 MITSUBISHI DELICA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MITSUBISHI DELICA(1997)	69%	£1592	£430	Grp 30-42	£2777
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996)	67%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2597-£180
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£380
BMW 3 SERIES(1999)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£380
PORSCHE 911(1999)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£530

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.