CITROEN XANTIA (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 139 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,857
£155/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1905cc Diesel
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 11 points below average.
Check a specific CITROEN XANTIA
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1905cc
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.
Get an insurance quote for this CITROEN XANTIA
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 28 years old, 71% of CITROEN XANTIAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 139 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 116,986 miles.
Got a CITROEN XANTIA you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
116,986
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 CITROEN XANTIA has 116,986 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.
Looking at a specific CITROEN XANTIA?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2000 model with a 75% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1998 sits between the two at 71%.
CITROEN XANTIA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Citroen Xantia
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 1998 CITROEN XANTIA
The 1998 CITROEN XANTIA is a family car with a 1905cc diesel engine. 139 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 116,986 miles at 28 years old, CITROEN XANTIA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 CITROEN XANTIA Fuel Costs
The 1905cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1998 CITROEN XANTIA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
CITROEN XANTIA Reliability Trend
The CITROEN XANTIA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 CITROEN XANTIA
At 28 years old, the CITROEN XANTIA 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 75%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 CITROEN XANTIA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 117k 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 CITROEN XANTIA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN XANTIA(1998) | 71% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1857 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2000) | 77% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£130 |
| FIAT DUCATO(1999) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£130 |
| FORD FIESTA(1998) | 65% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1927+£70 |
| MERCEDES C(1997) | 81% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £1900+£43 |
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.
Related Citroen Models
Explore other Citroen cars or similar models in the same category.
CITROEN C4
2015 · 1997cc Diesel
CITROEN DS3
2014 · 1560cc Diesel
CITROEN C3
2010 · 1398cc Diesel
BMW 3 SERIES
2000 · 1951cc Diesel
FIAT DUCATO
1999 · 1905cc Diesel
FORD FIESTA
1998 · 1753cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Citroen Xantia.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific CITROEN XANTIA
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a CITROEN XANTIA? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data