FIAT UNCLASSIFIED (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 91 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
91
Avg Mileage
86,378 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1998 FIAT UNCLASSIFIED 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 UNCLASSIFIEDs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 91 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,378 miles.
How does the 1998 FIAT UNCLASSIFIED compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 FIAT UNCLASSIFIED has 86,378 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 UNCLASSIFIED?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 45%. The 1998 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1998 FIAT UNCLASSIFIED 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 UNCLASSIFIED by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 97% | 688 | 11,393 mi |
| 2020 | 94% | 882 | 15,358 mi |
| 2019 | 92% | 955 | 18,467 mi |
| 2018 | 92% | 711 | 21,477 mi |
| 2017 | 93% | 652 | 24,798 mi |
| 2016 | 92% | 647 | 27,632 mi |
| 2015 | 89% | 741 | 41,259 mi |
| 2014 | 91% | 681 | 33,240 mi |
| 2013 | 87% | 934 | 40,624 mi |
| 2012 | 89% | 481 | 40,887 mi |
| 2011 | 84% | 141 | 53,535 mi |
| 2010 | 83% | 71 | 71,871 mi |
| 2009 | 84% | 92 | 41,943 mi |
| 2008 | 82% | 155 | 55,343 mi |
| 2007 | 78% | 152 | 55,340 mi |
| 2006 | 79% | 207 | 51,872 mi |
| 2005 | 81% | 172 | 52,537 mi |
| 2004 | 79% | 253 | 55,267 mi |
| 2003 | 83% | 150 | 58,852 mi |
| 2002 | 72% | 137 | 62,141 mi |
| 2001 | 75% | 112 | 62,828 mi |
| 2000 | 77% | 149 | 72,270 mi |
| 1999 | 72% | 154 | 72,673 mi |
| 1998 | 71% | 91 | 86,378 mi |
| 1997 | 68% | 65 | 94,547 mi |
| 1995 | 83% | 72 | 138,861 mi |
| 1994 | 86% | 36 | 107,637 mi |
| 1993 | 75% | 69 | 102,759 mi |
| 1992 | 45% | 112 | 129,305 mi |
| 1991 | 81% | 36 | 101,616 mi |
Checking a specific FIAT UNCLASSIFIED?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 FIAT UNCLASSIFIED
The 1998 FIAT UNCLASSIFIED is a large car with a 2500cc diesel engine. 91 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model 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 86,378 miles at 26 years old, FIAT UNCLASSIFIED 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 UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs
The 2500cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 UNCLASSIFIED?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 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 UNCLASSIFIED Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT UNCLASSIFIEDs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 FIAT UNCLASSIFIED
At 26 years old, the FIAT UNCLASSIFIED 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 97%. Note: with only 91 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 FIAT UNCLASSIFIED
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-1%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+5%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+4%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (+1%) from 3,080 tests