Daimler V8 (1998)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 231 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,888
£241/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3996cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.
74% of MOT tests on Daimler V8s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 231 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,036 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
92,036
Average miles
192,400
Expected for age
The average 1998 Daimler V8 had 92,036 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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Daimler V8 by Year
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About the 1998 Daimler V8
The 1998 Daimler V8 is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3996cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 231 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 92,036 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Daimler V8 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 Daimler V8 Fuel Costs
The 3996cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 Daimler V8?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1998 Daimler V8
At 28 years old, the Daimler V8 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.
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.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 28 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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
Medium riskWith 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 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 Daimler V8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daimler V8(1998) | 74% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,888 |
| Jaguar XK8(1997) | 81% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738-£150 |
| Porsche 911(1998) | 85% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738-£150 |
| Jaguar XJ(1998) | 77% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,888same |
| Land Rover Range Rover(1999) | 79% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,888same |
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 Daimler V8
Is the 1998 Daimler V8 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 1998 Daimler V8s ended in a pass, from 231 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1998 Daimler V8 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 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 Daimler V8?
74% of 231 MOT tests on the 1998 Daimler V8 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 166th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).
Which year Daimler V8 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Daimler V8 has the highest MOT pass rate at 74% and the 1999 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1998 Daimler V8?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Daimler V8 is 92,036 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.
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