Is the 1997 MORGAN PLUS 8 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 93% of MORGAN PLUS 8s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 145 tests. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 1997 MORGAN PLUS 8 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 MORGAN PLUS 8?

The 1997 MORGAN PLUS 8 has a 93% MOT pass rate based on 145 tests in 2026. This ranks 19 out of 320 cars from 1997.

Which year MORGAN PLUS 8 is most reliable?

The 2001 MORGAN PLUS 8 has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%. The least reliable year is 1996 at 82%.

MORGAN PLUS 8 (1997)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1997 MORGAN PLUS 8?

The average mileage for a 1997 MORGAN PLUS 8 is 28,128 miles, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 145 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,607

£217/month

MOT Pass Rate

93%

Excellent

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3946cc Petrol

Great Choice

93% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 11 points above average.

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Petrol3946cc29 years old145 tests28k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3946cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 3946cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,607

Per month£217/mo

Per week£50/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

93% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%.

At 29 years old, 93% of MORGAN PLUS 8s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 145 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 28,128 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 cars19th of 320(top 6%)

Rank among MORGAN models45th of 104(top 43%)

vs national average+11%(82% avg)

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

vs MORGAN average+1%(92% avg)

Mileage Analysis

28,128

Average miles

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1997 MORGAN PLUS 8 has 28,128 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2001 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 82%. The 1997 sits between the two at 93%.

MORGAN PLUS 8 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	94%	34	27,166 mi
2003	93%	45	29,862 mi
2002	90%	59	27,471 mi
2001	95%	94	29,965 mi
2000	91%	110	32,354 mi
1999	95%	93	30,173 mi
1998	92%	97	32,399 mi
1997	93%	145	28,128 mi
1996	82%	106	27,380 mi
1995	97%	31	40,788 mi
1994	94%	36	35,443 mi
1993	93%	41	33,823 mi
1992	85%	33	36,290 mi
1990	80%	40	41,217 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

JAGUAR XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,247/year

81%

-12%

PORSCHE 911

1998 · 3596cc Petrol

£2,247/year

85%

-8%

MERCEDES E

1995 · 3606cc Petrol

£2,397/year

79%

-14%

JAGUAR XJ

1998 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,397/year

77%

-16%

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About the 1997 MORGAN PLUS 8

The 1997 MORGAN PLUS 8 is a performance with a 3946cc petrol engine. 145 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 1997 cars for reliability.

With an average of 28,128 miles at 29 years old, MORGAN PLUS 8 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 MORGAN PLUS 8 Fuel Costs

The 3946cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 MORGAN PLUS 8?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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.

MORGAN PLUS 8 Reliability Trend

Newer MORGAN PLUS 8s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 MORGAN PLUS 8

At 29 years old, the MORGAN PLUS 8 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 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1997 MORGAN PLUS 8's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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.

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 MORGAN PLUS 8 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MORGAN PLUS 8(1997)	93%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2607
JAGUAR XK8(1997)	81%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360
PORSCHE 911(1998)	85%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360
MERCEDES E(1995)	79%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£210
JAGUAR XJ(1998)	77%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£210

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.