TOYOTA CARINA (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 370 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
370
Avg Mileage
112,031 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1997 TOYOTA CARINA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 27 years old, 70% of TOYOTA CARINAs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 370 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 112,031 miles.
How does the 1997 TOYOTA CARINA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 TOYOTA CARINA has 112,031 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 CARINA?
The most reliable year is the 1995 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1997 sits between the two at 70%.
How much does a 1997 TOYOTA CARINA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
TOYOTA CARINA by Year
Checking a specific TOYOTA CARINA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 TOYOTA CARINA
The 1997 TOYOTA CARINA is a family car with a 1762cc petrol engine. 370 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 76% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 112,031 miles at 27 years old, TOYOTA CARINA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 TOYOTA CARINA Fuel Costs
The 1762cc 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 TOYOTA CARINA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TOYOTA CARINA Reliability Trend
Older TOYOTA CARINAs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 3 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1997 TOYOTA CARINA
At 27 years old, the TOYOTA CARINA 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 82%.
Alternatives to the 1997 TOYOTA CARINA
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+3%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+1%) from 8,442 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (same) from 6,792 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+9%) from 6,287 tests