Vauxhall Monterey (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 40 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3165cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol3165cc29 years old40 tests165k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3165cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

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 Montereys from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 40 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 165,157 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models45th of 306(top 15%)

Rank among Vauxhall models399th 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

165,157

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Vauxhall Monterey had 165,157 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 65%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1997 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Monterey by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1998	65%	166	161,177 mi
1997	88%	40	165,157 mi
1996	62%	119	123,778 mi
1995	63%	70	157,106 mi
1994	72%	39	120,964 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-10%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

-1%

Porsche Boxster

1999 · 2687cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

-7%

Mercedes C

1999 · 2799cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

-6%

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About the 1997 Vauxhall Monterey

The 1997 Vauxhall Monterey is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3165cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 40 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 165,157 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Monterey owners drive about as much as the UK average.

1997 Vauxhall Monterey Fuel Costs

The 3165cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 Vauxhall Monterey?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 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.

Buying a Used 1997 Vauxhall Monterey

At 29 years old, the Vauxhall Monterey 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 65%. Note: with only 40 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.

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 165k 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 Vauxhall Monterey 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 Monterey(1997)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Porsche Boxster(1999)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738same
Mercedes C(1999)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738same

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 Monterey

Is the 1997 Vauxhall Monterey reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 1997 Vauxhall Montereys ended in a pass, from 40 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 Monterey cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 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 Monterey?

88% of 40 MOT tests on the 1997 Vauxhall Monterey ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 45th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 15%).

Which year Vauxhall Monterey has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Vauxhall Monterey has the highest MOT pass rate at 65% and the 1996 the lowest at 62%. 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 Monterey?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Vauxhall Monterey is 165,157 miles, which is in line with the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.