Vauxhall Astravan (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 32 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,177

£181/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1700cc Diesel

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,177/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Diesel1700cc29 years old32 tests116k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1700cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,177

Per month£181/mo

Per week£42/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

88% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Astravans from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 32 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 115,759 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models47th of 306(top 16%)

Rank among Vauxhall models400th of 870(top half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+13%(75% avg)

vs Vauxhall average+4%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

115,759

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Vauxhall Astravan had 115,759 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 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1997 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Astravan by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	79%	589	140,826 mi
2011	75%	1,524	153,119 mi
2010	73%	1,396	152,645 mi
2009	73%	958	151,281 mi
2008	71%	1,893	153,122 mi
2007	75%	1,669	150,030 mi
2006	71%	2,876	149,529 mi
2005	68%	2,700	148,683 mi
2004	69%	1,758	144,527 mi
2003	63%	285	148,543 mi
2002	61%	74	160,347 mi
2001	62%	37	162,743 mi
2000	60%	45	133,082 mi
1997	88%	32	115,759 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Fiat Ducato

1999 · 1905cc Diesel

£2,327/year

72%

-16%

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About the 1997 Vauxhall Astravan

The 1997 Vauxhall Astravan is a van. Our records list a 1700cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 32 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 16% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 115,759 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Astravan owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Vauxhall Astravan Fuel Costs

The 1700cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1997 Vauxhall Astravan?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,177 (£181/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Vauxhall Astravan Reliability Trend

Newer Vauxhall Astravans pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Vauxhall Astravan

At 29 years old, the Vauxhall Astravan 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 79%. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 116k 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.

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 Vauxhall Astravan 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
Vauxhall Astravan(1997)	88%	£1,397	£375	n/a	£2,177
Fiat Ducato(1999)	72%	£1,397	£375	n/a	£2,327+£150

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 Vauxhall Astravan

Is the 1997 Vauxhall Astravan reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 1997 Vauxhall Astravans ended in a pass, from 32 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Vauxhall Astravan cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,177 a year (£181 a month): £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Vauxhall Astravan?

88% of 32 MOT tests on the 1997 Vauxhall Astravan ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 47th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 16%).

Which year Vauxhall Astravan has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Vauxhall Astravan has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 2003 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Vauxhall Astravan?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Vauxhall Astravan is 115,759 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.