CITROEN XSARA (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 271 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
271
Avg Mileage
94,084 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,927
Is the 1998 CITROEN XSARA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 26 years old, 69% of CITROEN XSARAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 271 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 94,084 miles.
How does the 1998 CITROEN XSARA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 CITROEN XSARA has 94,084 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 XSARA?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 72% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1998 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 1998 CITROEN XSARA 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 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 |
Checking a specific CITROEN XSARA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 CITROEN XSARA
The 1998 CITROEN XSARA is a family car with a 1905cc diesel engine. 271 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 82% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 94,084 miles at 26 years old, 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 £1,037 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 XSARA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 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 points.
Buying a Used 1998 CITROEN XSARA
At 26 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%.
Alternatives to the 1998 CITROEN XSARA
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2000) 77% pass rate (+8%) from 4,799 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1999) 72% pass rate (+3%) from 4,393 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1998) 65% pass rate (-4%) from 4,382 tests
- MERCEDES C (1997) 81% pass rate (+12%) from 2,336 tests