Toyota Previa (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 292 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2438cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol2438cc29 years old292 tests127k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2438cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

70% of MOT tests on Toyota Previas from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 292 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 126,789 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models236th of 306(bottom 24%)

Rank among Toyota models920th of 970(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-5%(75% avg)

vs Toyota average-14%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

126,789

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Toyota Previa had 126,789 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 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1997 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Previa by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	77%	70	127,271 mi
2015	82%	77	125,612 mi
2014	94%	144	72,819 mi
2013	87%	166	66,720 mi
2012	76%	101	95,435 mi
2011	73%	81	118,173 mi
2010	73%	82	141,893 mi
2009	82%	50	130,305 mi
2008	89%	62	149,458 mi
2007	75%	61	132,101 mi
2006	76%	989	143,155 mi
2005	73%	1,236	141,444 mi
2004	71%	1,321	145,576 mi
2003	69%	1,113	143,020 mi
2002	71%	791	146,265 mi
2001	68%	820	147,869 mi
2000	69%	347	149,094 mi
1999	75%	230	130,612 mi
1998	69%	288	128,259 mi
1997	70%	292	126,789 mi
1996	72%	270	133,442 mi
1995	66%	209	131,539 mi
1994	76%	94	123,013 mi
1993	77%	133	141,239 mi
1992	75%	55	138,737 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+7%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+8%

Mercedes SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+9%

Ford Focus

1999 · 1989cc Petrol

£2,761/year

65%

-5%

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About the 1997 Toyota Previa

The 1997 Toyota Previa is a large car. Our records list a 2438cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 292 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 24% of 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 126,789 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Previa owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Toyota Previa Fuel Costs

The 2438cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 Toyota Previa?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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 Previa Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Previas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Toyota Previa

At 29 years old, the Toyota Previa 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 127k 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 Toyota Previa 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
Toyota Previa(1997)	70%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Mercedes SLK(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Ford Focus(1999)	65%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761-£127

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 Toyota Previa

Is the 1997 Toyota Previa reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 1997 Toyota Previas ended in a pass, from 292 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Toyota Previa cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Toyota Previa?

70% of 292 MOT tests on the 1997 Toyota Previa ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 236th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom 24%).

Which year Toyota Previa has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Toyota Previa has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1995 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Toyota Previa?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Toyota Previa is 126,789 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.