MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 40 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
40
Avg Mileage
134,374 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1997 MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 27 years old, 75% of MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGONs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 40 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 134,374 miles.
How does the 1997 MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON has 134,374 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 SPACE WAGON?
The most reliable year is the 1995 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 61%. The 1997 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 1997 MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON 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 SPACE WAGON by Year
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON
The 1997 MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON is a large car with a 2830cc diesel engine. 40 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 134,374 miles at 27 years old, MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON Fuel Costs
The 2830cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 SPACE WAGON?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON Reliability Trend
Older MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGONs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 33 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1997 MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON
At 27 years old, the MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON 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 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 40 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-5%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+1%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (same) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (-3%) from 3,080 tests