Fiat Ulysse 1.9 Td S (1997)
1997 Fiat Ulysse 1.9 Td S
CarHunch analysed 147 real MOT records for the 1997 Fiat Ulysse 1.9 Td S. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1997 Fiat Ulysse is a genuinely challenging buy — only 29% pass their MOT first time, versus the UK average of 80%, and these vehicles are averaging 0.81 failures per test, which is substantial wear. The dangerous defect rate of 4.8% is mercifully low, but the real concern is the volume of issues: you're looking at nearly two failures and advisories combined per vehicle.
At 123,000 miles on average, these Ulysses are well-used 27-year-old vans, which partly explains the struggles, but the consistency of failures suggests systemic issues rather than simple age-related decay. Before viewing one, budget for immediate work on electrics, emissions components, and structural rust — and insist on a pre-purchase inspection by a diesel specialist, as these vehicles demand serious money to keep roadworthy.
What to check before buying a 1997 Fiat Ulysse 1.9 Td S
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Fiat Ulysse 1.9 Td S
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1997 Fiat Ulysse 1.9 Td S vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1997 Fiat Ulysse 1.9 Td S vehicles fall between 93,074 and 142,940 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Fiat Ulysse 1.9 Td S?
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Other model years — Fiat Ulysse 1.9 Td S: