TOYOTA CAMRY (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 268 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
268
Avg Mileage
124,512 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 27 years old, 78% of TOYOTA CAMRYs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 268 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 124,512 miles.
How does the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY has 124,512 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 TOYOTA CAMRY?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 78%. The 1997 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY 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.
TOYOTA CAMRY by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 97% | 37 | 39,198 mi |
| 2021 | 96% | 446 | 38,287 mi |
| 2020 | 96% | 664 | 43,951 mi |
| 2019 | 94% | 759 | 69,887 mi |
| 2018 | 100% | 34 | 64,225 mi |
| 2017 | 100% | 43 | 64,307 mi |
| 2013 | 96% | 53 | 62,075 mi |
| 2012 | 100% | 60 | 75,728 mi |
| 2004 | 89% | 46 | 100,855 mi |
| 2003 | 87% | 70 | 113,647 mi |
| 2002 | 86% | 189 | 111,449 mi |
| 2001 | 84% | 49 | 95,017 mi |
| 2000 | 77% | 35 | 123,470 mi |
| 1999 | 84% | 100 | 123,640 mi |
| 1998 | 78% | 174 | 122,735 mi |
| 1997 | 78% | 268 | 124,512 mi |
| 1996 | 75% | 40 | 117,255 mi |
| 1995 | 81% | 32 | 106,634 mi |
| 1994 | 51% | 45 | 140,494 mi |
| 1992 | 72% | 47 | 122,600 mi |
Checking a specific TOYOTA CAMRY?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
The 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY is a family car with a 2164cc petrol engine. 268 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 124,512 miles at 27 years old, TOYOTA CAMRY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 TOYOTA CAMRY Fuel Costs
The 2164cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 TOYOTA CAMRY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TOYOTA CAMRY Reliability Trend
Newer TOYOTA CAMRYs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
At 27 years old, the TOYOTA CAMRY 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Alternatives to the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
The TOYOTA CAMRY 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 (-11%) from 8,643 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-7%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (same) from 7,815 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1997) 76% pass rate (-2%) from 5,880 tests