Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee (1998)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 104 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,088
£257/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3960cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Chrysler-Jeep brand average of 74%.
65% of MOT tests on Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokees from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 104 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 123,197 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
123,197
Average miles
192,400
Expected for age
The average 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee had 123,197 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 88% | 101 | 99,455 mi | |
| 2011 | 80% | 92 | 98,683 mi | |
| 2010 | 78% | 303 | 106,863 mi | |
| 2009 | 81% | 225 | 117,791 mi | |
| 2008 | 76% | 300 | 124,156 mi | |
| 2007 | 81% | 544 | 118,961 mi | |
| 2006 | 77% | 626 | 124,408 mi | |
| 2005 | 75% | 287 | 131,679 mi | |
| 2004 | 71% | 210 | 119,774 mi | |
| 2003 | 75% | 193 | 125,020 mi | |
| 2002 | 77% | 98 | 118,619 mi | |
| 2001 | 74% | 122 | 104,835 mi | |
| 2000 | 77% | 91 | 122,194 mi | |
| 1999 | 70% | 171 | 122,241 mi | |
| 1998 | 65% | 104 | 123,197 mi | |
| 1997 | 72% | 57 | 133,247 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3960cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 104 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 8% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 123,197 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Costs
The 3960cc 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 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Trend
Newer Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokees pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee
At 28 years old, the Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee 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.
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 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 123k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee(1998) | 65% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £3,088 |
| Jaguar XK8(1997) | 81% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738-£350 |
| Porsche 911(1998) | 85% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738-£350 |
| Jaguar XJ(1998) | 77% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,888-£200 |
| Land Rover Range Rover(1999) | 79% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,888-£200 |
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 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee
Is the 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokees ended in a pass, from 104 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee?
65% of 104 MOT tests on the 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 302nd of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 8%).
Which year Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 1998 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee is 123,197 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Chrysler-Jeep Models
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1997 · 3995cc Petrol
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1998 · 3596cc Petrol
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