Fiat Ducato (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,841 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,327

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1929cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,327/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Diesel1929cc28 years old3,841 tests74k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1929cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Fiat brand average of 83%.

71% of MOT tests on Fiat Ducatos from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 3,841 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 74,097 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models224th of 325(bottom half)

Rank among Fiat models643rd of 788(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

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

vs Fiat average-12%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

74,097

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Fiat Ducato had 74,097 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 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1998 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Fiat Ducato by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	96%	1,692	13,403 mi
2020	92%	2,370	39,378 mi
2019	91%	3,430	54,663 mi
2018	90%	3,340	60,707 mi
2017	88%	3,646	57,625 mi
2016	89%	5,186	53,740 mi
2015	88%	5,291	48,244 mi
2014	88%	4,355	48,544 mi
2013	88%	4,420	49,671 mi
2012	87%	4,934	50,076 mi
2011	86%	6,138	50,894 mi
2010	86%	6,370	50,611 mi
2009	84%	6,766	48,131 mi
2008	83%	9,616	56,046 mi
2007	81%	9,865	60,487 mi
2006	78%	8,179	56,923 mi
2005	77%	8,326	56,496 mi
2004	75%	7,375	55,397 mi
2003	75%	6,010	59,725 mi
2002	74%	4,159	60,768 mi
2001	73%	3,504	64,211 mi
2000	73%	3,002	69,090 mi
1999	72%	4,393	70,411 mi
1998	71%	3,841	74,097 mi
1997	71%	2,880	76,269 mi
1996	69%	2,278	79,784 mi
1995	68%	1,321	86,616 mi
1994	68%	1,012	91,645 mi
1993	63%	1,076	94,964 mi
1992	68%	1,165	97,955 mi
1991	69%	1,051	95,852 mi
1990	70%	1,092	89,028 mi

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About the 1998 Fiat Ducato

The 1998 Fiat Ducato is a van. Our records list a 1929cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,841 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 74,097 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Fiat Ducato 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 Fiat Ducato Fuel Costs

The 1929cc 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 Fiat Ducato?

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 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Fiat Ducato Reliability Trend

Newer Fiat Ducatos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 16 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Fiat Ducato

At 28 years old, the Fiat Ducato 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

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.

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.

Questions about the 1998 Fiat Ducato

Is the 1998 Fiat Ducato reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 1998 Fiat Ducatos ended in a pass, from 3,841 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Fiat Ducato 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 Fiat Ducato?

71% of 3,841 MOT tests on the 1998 Fiat Ducato ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 224th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).

Which year Fiat Ducato has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Fiat Ducato has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 1993 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Fiat Ducato?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Fiat Ducato is 74,097 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.