CITROEN SAXO (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 359 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
359
Avg Mileage
75,611 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 1998 CITROEN SAXO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 26 years old, 70% of CITROEN SAXOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 359 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 75,611 miles.
How does the 1998 CITROEN SAXO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 CITROEN SAXO has 75,611 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a CITROEN SAXO?
The most reliable year is the 2003 model with a 72% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1998 sits between the two at 70%.
How much does a 1998 CITROEN SAXO 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.
CITROEN SAXO by Year
Checking a specific CITROEN SAXO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 CITROEN SAXO
The 1998 CITROEN SAXO is a city car with a 1124cc petrol engine. 359 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 77% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 75,611 miles at 26 years old, CITROEN SAXO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1998 CITROEN SAXO Fuel Costs
The modest 1124cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 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 CITROEN SAXO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
CITROEN SAXO Reliability Trend
The CITROEN SAXO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 CITROEN SAXO
At 26 years old, the CITROEN SAXO 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 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 72%.
Alternatives to the 1998 CITROEN SAXO
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+3%) from 8,535 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+19%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (same) from 6,792 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2000) 70% pass rate (same) from 6,496 tests