MITSUBISHI FTO (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 32 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
38%
Total Tests (2024)
32
Avg Mileage
101,476 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1997 MITSUBISHI FTO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 44 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 27 years old, 38% of MITSUBISHI FTOs 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 101,476 miles.
How does the 1997 MITSUBISHI FTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MITSUBISHI FTO has 101,476 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 FTO?
The most reliable year is the 2001 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 58%. The 1997 sits between the two at 38%.
How much does a 1997 MITSUBISHI FTO 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 FTO by Year
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI FTO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MITSUBISHI FTO
The 1997 MITSUBISHI FTO is a family car with a 1990cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 100% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 101,476 miles at 27 years old, MITSUBISHI FTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 MITSUBISHI FTO Fuel Costs
The 1990cc 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 FTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 38% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MITSUBISHI FTO Reliability Trend
The MITSUBISHI FTO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 MITSUBISHI FTO
At 27 years old, the MITSUBISHI FTO 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 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 76%. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MITSUBISHI FTO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (+29%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+35%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+33%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+41%) from 6,287 tests