Toyota Rav-4 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 447 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc29 years old447 tests122k 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

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

71% of MOT tests on Toyota Rav-4s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 447 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 121,927 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models219th of 306(bottom half)

Rank among Toyota models900th of 970(bottom 8%)

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

vs 1997 models average-4%(75% avg)

vs Toyota average-13%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

121,927

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Toyota Rav-4 had 121,927 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 87%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Rav-4 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	87%	2,314	89,044 mi
2013	86%	2,378	89,784 mi
2012	83%	2,968	92,727 mi
2011	81%	5,769	101,091 mi
2010	81%	5,925	108,667 mi
2009	80%	2,815	111,891 mi
2008	75%	2,882	118,412 mi
2007	73%	4,787	124,487 mi
2006	72%	5,749	125,232 mi
2005	76%	5,613	120,527 mi
2004	75%	4,420	119,012 mi
2003	75%	3,314	120,017 mi
2002	74%	2,212	116,302 mi
2001	76%	1,327	120,035 mi
2000	76%	463	112,097 mi
1999	73%	447	124,230 mi
1998	73%	482	122,929 mi
1997	71%	447	121,927 mi
1996	72%	204	122,888 mi
1995	63%	67	126,943 mi
1994	77%	39	129,896 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+2%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

same

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+7%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+4%

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About the 1997 Toyota Rav-4

The 1997 Toyota Rav-4 is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 447 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 121,927 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Rav-4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Toyota Rav-4 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 Toyota Rav-4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Rav-4 Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Rav-4s 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 Rav-4

At 29 years old, the Toyota Rav-4 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.

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 122k 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 Rav-4 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 Rav-4(1997)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

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 Rav-4

Is the 1997 Toyota Rav-4 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 1997 Toyota Rav-4s ended in a pass, from 447 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Toyota Rav-4 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 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 Rav-4?

71% of 447 MOT tests on the 1997 Toyota Rav-4 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 219th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom half).

Which year Toyota Rav-4 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Toyota Rav-4 has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 1997 the lowest at 71%. 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 Rav-4?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Toyota Rav-4 is 121,927 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.