DODGE RAM (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 85 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
5900cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 5900cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 82% of DODGE RAMs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 85 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,150 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
120,150
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 DODGE RAM has 120,150 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1994 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1998 sits between the two at 82%.
DODGE RAM by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93% | 40 | 35,482 mi | |
| 2020 | 87% | 38 | 46,005 mi | |
| 2019 | 95% | 94 | 43,294 mi | |
| 2018 | 95% | 138 | 49,917 mi | |
| 2017 | 88% | 94 | 60,734 mi | |
| 2016 | 93% | 100 | 59,647 mi | |
| 2015 | 89% | 84 | 101,702 mi | |
| 2014 | 89% | 72 | 92,792 mi | |
| 2013 | 82% | 39 | 87,998 mi | |
| 2012 | 74% | 70 | 104,899 mi | |
| 2011 | 93% | 91 | 95,481 mi | |
| 2010 | 86% | 102 | 82,245 mi | |
| 2009 | 88% | 89 | 96,442 mi | |
| 2008 | 90% | 39 | 102,901 mi | |
| 2007 | 81% | 68 | 95,193 mi | |
| 2006 | 87% | 128 | 126,631 mi | |
| 2005 | 87% | 241 | 101,775 mi | |
| 2004 | 84% | 308 | 98,467 mi | |
| 2003 | 88% | 204 | 111,648 mi | |
| 2002 | 92% | 123 | 136,827 mi | |
| 2001 | 81% | 99 | 111,545 mi | |
| 2000 | 95% | 41 | 153,098 mi | |
| 1999 | 81% | 97 | 114,083 mi | |
| 1998 | 82% | 85 | 120,150 mi | |
| 1997 | 95% | 56 | 112,854 mi | |
| 1996 | 81% | 126 | 138,496 mi | |
| 1994 | 96% | 50 | 141,844 mi | |
| 1992 | 68% | 76 | 116,482 mi | |
| 1990 | 97% | 32 | 120,628 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 DODGE RAM
The 1998 DODGE RAM is a performance with a 5900cc petrol engine. 85 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 120,150 miles at 28 years old, DODGE RAM owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 DODGE RAM Fuel Costs
The 5900cc 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 £1,592 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 DODGE RAM?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
DODGE RAM Reliability Trend
Newer DODGE RAMs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 DODGE RAM
At 28 years old, the DODGE RAM 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 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 85 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 DODGE RAM's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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
Watch outWith an average of 120k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 DODGE RAM stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DODGE RAM(1998) | 82% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| MERCEDES CLK(2000) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| JAGUAR XJ(1996) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| ASTON MARTIN DB7(2000) | 89% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| MERCEDES S-CLASS(1996) | 83% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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