VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 79 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
79
Avg Mileage
132,258 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 27 years old, 71% of VOLKSWAGEN SHARANs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 79 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 132,258 miles.
How does the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN has 132,258 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 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 60%. The 1997 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1997 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN 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.
VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 94% | 32 | 58,054 mi |
| 2023 | 96% | 45 | 36,329 mi |
| 2022 | 83% | 36 | 45,020 mi |
| 2021 | 88% | 2,860 | 26,033 mi |
| 2020 | 89% | 2,458 | 40,416 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 9,709 | 92,208 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 5,209 | 80,763 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 5,436 | 99,674 mi |
| 2016 | 87% | 5,322 | 117,033 mi |
| 2015 | 83% | 5,386 | 118,143 mi |
| 2014 | 83% | 5,121 | 116,423 mi |
| 2013 | 82% | 4,249 | 112,359 mi |
| 2012 | 81% | 3,959 | 107,276 mi |
| 2011 | 81% | 4,078 | 115,991 mi |
| 2010 | 77% | 1,274 | 139,864 mi |
| 2009 | 69% | 1,013 | 139,940 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 1,090 | 140,672 mi |
| 2007 | 65% | 1,352 | 142,445 mi |
| 2006 | 64% | 1,294 | 142,616 mi |
| 2005 | 64% | 1,301 | 142,399 mi |
| 2004 | 66% | 781 | 149,108 mi |
| 2003 | 64% | 501 | 150,605 mi |
| 2002 | 69% | 354 | 140,476 mi |
| 2001 | 69% | 163 | 131,329 mi |
| 2000 | 75% | 75 | 134,486 mi |
| 1999 | 63% | 57 | 129,752 mi |
| 1998 | 77% | 100 | 149,156 mi |
| 1997 | 71% | 79 | 132,258 mi |
| 1996 | 60% | 58 | 159,071 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN
The 1997 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN is a family car with a 1984cc petrol engine. 79 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 132,258 miles at 27 years old, VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN Fuel Costs
The 1984cc 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 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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.
VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN SHARANs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN
At 27 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. Note: with only 79 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+2%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (same) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+8%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+4%) from 5,268 tests