FIAT DUCATO (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 3,841 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
3,841
Avg Mileage
74,097 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 1998 FIAT DUCATO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 26 years old, 71% of FIAT DUCATOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 3,841 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,097 miles.
How does the 1998 FIAT DUCATO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 FIAT DUCATO has 74,097 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 FIAT DUCATO?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1998 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1998 FIAT DUCATO 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.
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 |
Checking a specific FIAT DUCATO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 FIAT DUCATO
The 1998 FIAT DUCATO is a family car with a 1929cc diesel engine. 3,841 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 74,097 miles at 26 years old, 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 £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 FIAT DUCATO
At 26 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%.
Alternatives to the 1998 FIAT DUCATO
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2000) 77% pass rate (+6%) from 4,799 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1998) 65% pass rate (-6%) from 4,382 tests
- MERCEDES C (1997) 81% pass rate (+10%) from 2,336 tests
- PEUGEOT 206 (2000) 65% pass rate (-6%) from 2,245 tests