Mitsubishi Pajero (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 91 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,810

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 5-15

1100cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £1,810/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1100cc29 years old91 tests116k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1100cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,810

Per month£151/mo

Per week£35/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

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%.

86% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Pajeros from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 91 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 116,257 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models55th of 306(top 18%)

Rank among Mitsubishi models144th of 390(top half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+11%(75% avg)

vs Mitsubishi average+6%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

116,257

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero had 116,257 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 1994 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1997 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mitsubishi Pajero by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	83%	42	75,994 mi
2017	82%	45	75,569 mi
2016	88%	51	83,996 mi
2015	64%	36	111,798 mi
2010	77%	30	95,272 mi
2008	75%	69	127,382 mi
2007	73%	128	124,605 mi
2006	78%	260	136,303 mi
2005	77%	486	152,412 mi
2004	70%	616	157,611 mi
2003	78%	582	150,765 mi
2002	68%	270	153,687 mi
2001	67%	203	152,872 mi
2000	73%	129	138,864 mi
1999	76%	127	132,497 mi
1998	77%	105	114,961 mi
1997	86%	91	116,257 mi
1996	72%	155	135,309 mi
1995	78%	166	172,553 mi
1994	79%	106	184,471 mi
1993	76%	59	160,898 mi
1992	63%	30	174,063 mi
1991	60%	48	162,983 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-13%

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

+3%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-16%

Ford Fiesta

1999 · 1392cc Petrol

£2,383/year

67%

-19%

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About the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero

The 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero is a city car. Our records list a 1100cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 91 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 116,257 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Pajero owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Fuel Costs

The modest 1100cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 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 Pajero?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,810 (£151/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mitsubishi Pajero Reliability Trend

The Mitsubishi Pajero has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero

At 29 years old, the Mitsubishi Pajero 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 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 79%. Note: with only 91 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.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

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 116k 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 Pajero 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 Pajero(1997)	86%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£518
Vauxhall Corsa(1999)	89%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810same
Nissan Micra(1999)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£373
Ford Fiesta(1999)	67%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,383+£573

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 Pajero

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 1997 Mitsubishi Pajeros ended in a pass, from 91 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,810 a year (£151 a month): £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

86% of 91 MOT tests on the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 55th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 18%).

Which year Mitsubishi Pajero has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 2001 the lowest at 67%. 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 Pajero?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero is 116,257 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.