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FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN (1998)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 57 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,707

£142/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1900cc Diesel

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £1707/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel1900cc28 years old57 tests103k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1900cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037
Road Tax

Based on 1900cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,707
Per month£142/mo
Per week£33/wk

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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 28 years old, 82% of FIAT MOTOR CARAVANs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 57 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,197 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 cars80th of 340(top 24%)
Rank among FIAT models456th of 818(top 56%)
vs national average+0%(82% avg)
vs 1998 cars average+7%(75% avg)
vs FIAT average-1%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,197

Average miles

vs

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1998 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN has 103,197 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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?

The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1998 sits between the two at 82%.

FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201292%6639,734 mi
201191%5346,277 mi
200876%6342,291 mi
200783%8762,597 mi
200671%8060,663 mi
200572%6956,922 mi
200487%7758,316 mi
200374%8063,595 mi
200267%4970,049 mi
200174%4355,851 mi
200069%7564,943 mi
199967%5279,777 mi
199882%57103,197 mi
199775%3679,766 mi
199277%44110,725 mi

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About the 1998 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN

The 1998 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN is a family car with a 1900cc diesel engine. 57 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 1998 cars for reliability.

With an average of 103,197 miles at 28 years old, FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN 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 MOTOR CARAVAN Fuel Costs

The 1900cc 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 MOTOR CARAVAN?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,707 142/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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.

FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN Reliability Trend

Newer FIAT MOTOR CARAVANs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1998 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN

At 28 years old, the FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 57 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1998 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 103k 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 risk

High-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 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.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1998 FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
FIAT MOTOR CARAVAN(1998)82%£1037£265Grp 18-32£1707
BMW 3 SERIES(2000)77%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727+£20
FIAT DUCATO(1999)72%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727+£20
FORD FIESTA(1998)65%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1927+£220
MERCEDES C(1997)81%£1245£250Grp 25-38£1900+£193

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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