AUDI 80 (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 61 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2771cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2771cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.
At 28 years old, 82% of AUDI 80s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 61 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,098 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
110,098
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 AUDI 80 has 110,098 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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?
The most reliable year is the 1990 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1998 sits between the two at 82%.
AUDI 80 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 AUDI 80
The 1998 AUDI 80 is a premium performance with a 2771cc petrol engine. 61 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 110,098 miles at 28 years old, AUDI 80 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 AUDI 80 Fuel Costs
The 2771cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 AUDI 80?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
AUDI 80 Reliability Trend
The AUDI 80 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 AUDI 80
At 28 years old, the AUDI 80 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 1990 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 61 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 AUDI 80's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 28 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 110k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 1998 AUDI 80 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI 80(1998) | 82% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2427 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£170 |
| BMW Z3(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£30 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£30 |
| MERCEDES SLK(1999) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£30 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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