Mitsubishi Lancer (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 42 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,261

£188/month

MOT Pass Rate

93%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Petrol

Great Choice

93% pass rate, £2,261/year to run. 11 points above average.

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Petrol1997cc29 years old42 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,261

Per month£188/mo

Per week£43/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

93% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%.

93% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Lancers from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 42 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 103,606 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models21st of 306(top 7%)

Rank among Mitsubishi models46th of 390(top 12%)

vs average of all models+11%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+18%(75% avg)

vs Mitsubishi average+13%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,606

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer had 103,606 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 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1997 scores 93%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mitsubishi Lancer by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	88%	50	77,941 mi
2019	95%	66	97,178 mi
2018	92%	48	81,570 mi
2017	92%	89	81,385 mi
2016	94%	95	81,847 mi
2015	91%	137	83,291 mi
2014	96%	50	58,111 mi
2012	91%	67	60,175 mi
2011	73%	2,326	100,912 mi
2010	72%	3,172	104,196 mi
2009	76%	2,157	104,030 mi
2008	77%	2,818	98,098 mi
2007	75%	1,541	88,265 mi
2006	77%	1,902	86,458 mi
2005	78%	1,953	87,984 mi
2004	92%	776	76,874 mi
2003	93%	562	80,312 mi
2002	89%	99	81,221 mi
2001	89%	223	73,824 mi
2000	91%	246	73,093 mi
1999	88%	302	73,051 mi
1998	95%	197	80,685 mi
1997	93%	42	103,606 mi
1996	84%	57	92,249 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-20%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-22%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-15%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-18%

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About the 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer

The 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 42 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 7% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 103,606 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Lancer owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Mitsubishi Lancer Fuel Costs

The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 Lancer?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,261 (£188/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability Trend

Older Mitsubishi Lancers tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 12 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer

At 29 years old, the Mitsubishi Lancer 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 42 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.

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 104k 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.

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 Lancer 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 Lancer(1997)	93%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,261
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£67
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£300
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£627
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£300

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 Lancer

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 93% of MOT tests on 1997 Mitsubishi Lancers ended in a pass, from 42 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,261 a year (£188 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer?

93% of 42 MOT tests on the 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 21st of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 7%).

Which year Mitsubishi Lancer has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2010 the lowest at 72%. 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 Lancer?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer is 103,606 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.