PEUGEOT 405 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 30 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
30
Avg Mileage
147,594 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,717
Is the 1997 PEUGEOT 405 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the PEUGEOT brand average of 83%.
At 27 years old, 93% of PEUGEOT 405s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 147,594 miles.
How does the 1997 PEUGEOT 405 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 PEUGEOT 405 has 147,594 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 PEUGEOT 405?
The most reliable year is the 1995 model with a 74% MOT pass rate, while the 1991 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1997 sits between the two at 93%.
How much does a 1997 PEUGEOT 405 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.
PEUGEOT 405 by Year
Checking a specific PEUGEOT 405?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 PEUGEOT 405
The 1997 PEUGEOT 405 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 30 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 147,594 miles at 27 years old, PEUGEOT 405 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 PEUGEOT 405 Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 PEUGEOT 405?
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.
PEUGEOT 405 Reliability Trend
Newer PEUGEOT 405s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 PEUGEOT 405
At 27 years old, the PEUGEOT 405 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 74%. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 PEUGEOT 405
The PEUGEOT 405 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