DAIHATSU HIJET (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 285 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
285
Avg Mileage
62,174 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,740
Is the 1998 DAIHATSU HIJET reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 68% of DAIHATSU HIJETs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 285 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 62,174 miles.
How does the 1998 DAIHATSU HIJET compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 DAIHATSU HIJET has 62,174 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 DAIHATSU HIJET?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1998 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 1998 DAIHATSU HIJET 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.
DAIHATSU HIJET by Year
Checking a specific DAIHATSU HIJET?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 DAIHATSU HIJET
The 1998 DAIHATSU HIJET is a city car with a 993cc petrol engine. 285 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 85% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 62,174 miles at 26 years old, DAIHATSU HIJET 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 DAIHATSU HIJET Fuel Costs
The modest 993cc 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 DAIHATSU HIJET?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,740 (£145/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
DAIHATSU HIJET Reliability Trend
Older DAIHATSU HIJETs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1998 DAIHATSU HIJET
At 26 years old, the DAIHATSU HIJET 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.
Alternatives to the 1998 DAIHATSU HIJET
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+21%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (+2%) from 6,792 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2000) 70% pass rate (+2%) from 6,496 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1999) 67% pass rate (-1%) from 4,854 tests