Citroen Xsara (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 271 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,527

£211/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1905cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,527/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Diesel1905cc28 years old271 tests94k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1905cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,527

Per month£211/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Citroen brand average of 79%.

69% of MOT tests on Citroen Xsaras from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 271 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 94,084 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models265th of 325(bottom 19%)

Rank among Citroen models480th of 589(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-6%(75% avg)

vs Citroen average-10%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

94,084

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Citroen Xsara had 94,084 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 72%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1998 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Citroen Xsara by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2010	72%	2,318	92,813 mi
2009	71%	4,248	94,809 mi
2008	67%	5,348	101,789 mi
2007	67%	9,515	104,291 mi
2006	68%	10,059	102,625 mi
2005	66%	6,241	108,979 mi
2004	68%	5,455	114,026 mi
2003	66%	3,664	117,235 mi
2002	68%	2,613	112,057 mi
2001	66%	1,687	115,502 mi
2000	67%	464	107,932 mi
1999	67%	218	88,392 mi
1998	69%	271	94,084 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2000 · 1951cc Diesel

£2,327/year

77%

+8%

Ford Fiesta

1998 · 1753cc Diesel

£2,527/year

65%

-4%

Mercedes C

1997 · 2155cc Diesel

£2,456/year

81%

+12%

Peugeot 206

2000 · 1997cc Diesel

£2,527/year

65%

-4%

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About the 1998 Citroen Xsara

The 1998 Citroen Xsara is a family car. Our records list a 1905cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 271 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 19% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 94,084 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen Xsara 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 Xsara 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Xsara?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,527 (£211/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Citroen Xsara Reliability Trend

The Citroen Xsara has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 1998 Citroen Xsara

At 28 years old, the Citroen Xsara 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 72%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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

Medium risk

With an average of 94k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 Xsara 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
Citroen Xsara(1998)	69%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527
BMW 3 Series(2000)	77%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,327-£200
Ford Fiesta(1998)	65%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527same
Mercedes C(1997)	81%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,456-£71
Peugeot 206(2000)	65%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527same

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 Citroen Xsara

Is the 1998 Citroen Xsara reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 1998 Citroen Xsaras ended in a pass, from 271 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Citroen Xsara cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,527 a year (£211 a month): £1,397 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 Citroen Xsara?

69% of 271 MOT tests on the 1998 Citroen Xsara ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 265th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 19%).

Which year Citroen Xsara has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 Citroen Xsara has the highest MOT pass rate at 72% and the 2001 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Citroen Xsara?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Citroen Xsara is 94,084 miles, 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.