AUDI CABRIOLET (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 435 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1781cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1781cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.
At 28 years old, 73% of AUDI CABRIOLETs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 435 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 105,597 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
105,597
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 AUDI CABRIOLET has 105,597 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 2000 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 73%. The 1998 sits between the two at 73%.
AUDI CABRIOLET by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 AUDI CABRIOLET
The 1998 AUDI CABRIOLET is a premium with a 1781cc petrol engine. 435 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 105,597 miles at 28 years old, AUDI CABRIOLET owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 AUDI CABRIOLET Fuel Costs
The 1781cc 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 1998 AUDI CABRIOLET?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
AUDI CABRIOLET Reliability Trend
The AUDI CABRIOLET has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 AUDI CABRIOLET
At 28 years old, the AUDI CABRIOLET 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 2000 model has the highest pass rate at 81%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 AUDI CABRIOLET'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.
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 106k 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 CABRIOLET stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI CABRIOLET(1998) | 73% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1999) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£475 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2000) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£475 |
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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