MITSUBISHI L300 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 44 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests (2024)
44
Avg Mileage
135,327 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,750
Is the 1997 MITSUBISHI L300 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 27 years old, 91% of MITSUBISHI L300s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 44 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 135,327 miles.
How does the 1997 MITSUBISHI L300 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MITSUBISHI L300 has 135,327 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.
How much does a 1997 MITSUBISHI L300 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 L300 by Year
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI L300?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MITSUBISHI L300
The 1997 MITSUBISHI L300 is a large car with a 2477cc diesel engine. 44 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 1997 cars for reliability.
With an average of 135,327 miles at 27 years old, MITSUBISHI L300 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 MITSUBISHI L300 Fuel Costs
The 2477cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1997 MITSUBISHI L300?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,750 (£146/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 1997 MITSUBISHI L300
At 27 years old, the MITSUBISHI L300 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. Note: with only 44 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MITSUBISHI L300
The MITSUBISHI L300 is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel large cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-21%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (-15%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (-16%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (-19%) from 3,080 tests