MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 43 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
43
Avg Mileage
91,983 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1997 MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 27 years old, 77% of MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIEDs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 43 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,983 miles.
How does the 1997 MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED has 91,983 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED?
The most reliable year is the 2000 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 73%. The 1997 sits between the two at 77%.
How much does a 1997 MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED 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 UNCLASSIFIED by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 76% | 38 | 67,855 mi |
| 2019 | 98% | 44 | 74,456 mi |
| 2018 | 82% | 50 | 102,898 mi |
| 2017 | 97% | 30 | 73,466 mi |
| 2009 | 66% | 38 | 108,785 mi |
| 2008 | 77% | 35 | 99,130 mi |
| 2007 | 73% | 105 | 104,122 mi |
| 2006 | 81% | 103 | 120,952 mi |
| 2005 | 73% | 188 | 144,980 mi |
| 2004 | 83% | 138 | 114,487 mi |
| 2003 | 77% | 183 | 129,929 mi |
| 2002 | 85% | 78 | 118,130 mi |
| 2001 | 82% | 77 | 106,952 mi |
| 2000 | 88% | 98 | 90,302 mi |
| 1999 | 86% | 58 | 82,895 mi |
| 1998 | 85% | 54 | 101,954 mi |
| 1997 | 77% | 43 | 91,983 mi |
| 1996 | 81% | 42 | 133,642 mi |
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED
The 1997 MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED is a large car with a 2400cc diesel engine. 43 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 beats that benchmark.
With an average of 91,983 miles at 27 years old, MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1997 MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs
The 2400cc 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 UNCLASSIFIED?
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 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED Reliability Trend
Older MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIEDs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 7 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1997 MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED
At 27 years old, the MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED 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 2000 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 43 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED
The MITSUBISHI UNCLASSIFIED 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 (-7%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (-1%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (-2%) from 5,978 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1999) 72% pass rate (-5%) from 4,393 tests