Peugeot 405 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 30 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,261

£188/month

MOT Pass Rate

93%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Great Choice

93% pass rate, £2,261/year to run. 11 points above average.

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Petrol1998cc29 years old30 tests148k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,261

Per month£188/mo

Per week£43/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

93% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Peugeot brand average of 83%.

93% of MOT tests on Peugeot 405s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 30 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 147,594 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models22nd of 306(top 8%)

Rank among Peugeot models152nd of 709(top 22%)

vs average of all models+11%(82% avg)

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

vs Peugeot average+10%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

147,594

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Peugeot 405 had 147,594 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 1995 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 74%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 73%. The 1997 scores 93%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Peugeot 405 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1997	93%	30	147,594 mi
1996	71%	94	151,703 mi
1995	74%	215	144,657 mi
1994	74%	192	133,491 mi
1993	73%	119	143,533 mi
1992	67%	72	130,624 mi
1991	63%	56	123,512 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-20%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-22%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-15%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-18%

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About the 1997 Peugeot 405

The 1997 Peugeot 405 is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 30 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 8% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 147,594 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 Peugeot 405?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,261 (£188/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 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

The Peugeot 405 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 1997 Peugeot 405

At 29 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.

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.

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.

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 148k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 Peugeot 405 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
Peugeot 405(1997)	93%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,261
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£67
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£300
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£627
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£300

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 Peugeot 405

Is the 1997 Peugeot 405 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 93% of MOT tests on 1997 Peugeot 405s ended in a pass, from 30 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Peugeot 405 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,261 a year (£188 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Peugeot 405?

93% of 30 MOT tests on the 1997 Peugeot 405 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 22nd of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 8%).

Which year Peugeot 405 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Peugeot 405 has the highest MOT pass rate at 74% and the 1993 the lowest at 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Peugeot 405?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Peugeot 405 is 147,594 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.