TOYOTA CELICA (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,002 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
1,002
Avg Mileage
133,345 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1997 TOYOTA CELICA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 27 years old, 68% of TOYOTA CELICAs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,002 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 133,345 miles.
How does the 1997 TOYOTA CELICA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 TOYOTA CELICA has 133,345 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 CELICA?
The most reliable year is the 2008 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1997 TOYOTA CELICA 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 CELICA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 88% | 57 | 119,491 mi |
| 2007 | 73% | 137 | 131,245 mi |
| 2006 | 75% | 1,775 | 105,306 mi |
| 2005 | 73% | 2,404 | 115,012 mi |
| 2004 | 72% | 2,740 | 116,055 mi |
| 2003 | 72% | 2,488 | 118,340 mi |
| 2002 | 74% | 1,861 | 118,564 mi |
| 2001 | 74% | 1,589 | 119,894 mi |
| 2000 | 71% | 916 | 117,266 mi |
| 1999 | 72% | 894 | 121,784 mi |
| 1998 | 71% | 1,415 | 124,348 mi |
| 1997 | 68% | 1,002 | 133,345 mi |
| 1996 | 73% | 902 | 127,103 mi |
| 1995 | 77% | 370 | 123,514 mi |
| 1994 | 73% | 360 | 123,787 mi |
| 1993 | 74% | 148 | 126,173 mi |
| 1992 | 72% | 169 | 116,058 mi |
| 1991 | 70% | 182 | 122,842 mi |
| 1990 | 75% | 187 | 118,452 mi |
Checking a specific TOYOTA CELICA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 TOYOTA CELICA
The 1997 TOYOTA CELICA is a family car with a 1762cc petrol engine. 1,002 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 82% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 133,345 miles at 27 years old, TOYOTA CELICA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 TOYOTA CELICA 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 CELICA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
TOYOTA CELICA Reliability Trend
The TOYOTA CELICA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 TOYOTA CELICA
At 27 years old, the TOYOTA CELICA 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.
Alternatives to the 1997 TOYOTA CELICA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+5%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 8,442 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (+2%) from 6,792 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+11%) from 6,287 tests