Citroen ZX (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 78 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,327

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1905cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,327/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1905cc28 years old78 tests92k 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

£500

Total per year£2,327

Per month£194/mo

Per week£45/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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

79% of MOT tests on Citroen ZXs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 78 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 91,660 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models105th of 325(top half)

Rank among Citroen models298th of 589(bottom half)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+4%(75% avg)

vs Citroen average+0%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,660

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Citroen ZX had 91,660 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 1995 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 59%. The 1998 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Citroen ZX by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1998	79%	78	91,660 mi
1997	68%	282	111,201 mi
1996	78%	214	120,336 mi
1995	79%	185	91,322 mi
1994	59%	111	100,546 mi
1993	76%	161	102,502 mi
1992	73%	83	93,123 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2000 · 1951cc Diesel

£2,327/year

77%

-2%

Ford Fiesta

1998 · 1753cc Diesel

£2,527/year

65%

-14%

Mercedes C

1997 · 2155cc Diesel

£2,456/year

81%

+2%

Peugeot 206

2000 · 1997cc Diesel

£2,527/year

65%

-14%

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About the 1998 Citroen ZX

The 1998 Citroen ZX is a family car. Our records list a 1905cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 78 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 91,660 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen ZX 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 ZX 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 ZX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,327 (£194/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Citroen ZX Reliability Trend

Newer Citroen ZXs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Citroen ZX

At 28 years old, the Citroen ZX 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 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 79%. Note: with only 78 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 92k 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.

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 ZX 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 ZX(1998)	79%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,327
BMW 3 Series(2000)	77%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,327same
Ford Fiesta(1998)	65%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527+£200
Mercedes C(1997)	81%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,456+£129
Peugeot 206(2000)	65%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527+£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 Citroen ZX

Is the 1998 Citroen ZX reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 1998 Citroen ZXs ended in a pass, from 78 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Citroen ZX cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,327 a year (£194 a month): £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Citroen ZX?

79% of 78 MOT tests on the 1998 Citroen ZX ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 105th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

Which year Citroen ZX has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Citroen ZX has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 1994 the lowest at 59%. 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 ZX?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Citroen ZX is 91,660 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.