MITSUBISHI LANCER (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 42 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
42
Avg Mileage
103,606 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,717
Is the 1997 MITSUBISHI LANCER reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 27 years old, 93% of MITSUBISHI LANCERs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 42 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,606 miles.
How does the 1997 MITSUBISHI LANCER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MITSUBISHI LANCER has 103,606 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 LANCER?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1997 sits between the two at 93%.
How much does a 1997 MITSUBISHI LANCER 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 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 |
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI LANCER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MITSUBISHI LANCER
The 1997 MITSUBISHI LANCER is a family car with a 1997cc petrol engine. 42 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 7% of all 1997 cars for reliability.
With an average of 103,606 miles at 27 years old, 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 £1,327 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 LANCER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,717 (£143/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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
The MITSUBISHI LANCER has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 MITSUBISHI LANCER
At 27 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 42 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MITSUBISHI LANCER
The MITSUBISHI LANCER is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-26%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-20%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-22%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (-15%) from 7,815 tests