FORD COUGAR (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 84 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
58%
Total Tests (2024)
84
Avg Mileage
101,624 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1998 FORD COUGAR reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 24 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 26 years old, 58% of FORD COUGARs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 84 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 101,624 miles.
How does the 1998 FORD COUGAR compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 FORD COUGAR has 101,624 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a FORD COUGAR?
The most reliable year is the 2001 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 58%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1998 FORD COUGAR 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.
FORD COUGAR by Year
Checking a specific FORD COUGAR?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 FORD COUGAR
The 1998 FORD COUGAR is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 84 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 101,624 miles at 26 years old, FORD COUGAR owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 FORD COUGAR Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 FORD COUGAR?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 58% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FORD COUGAR Reliability Trend
Newer FORD COUGARs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 FORD COUGAR
At 26 years old, the FORD COUGAR 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. Note: with only 84 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 FORD COUGAR
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (+9%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+15%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+13%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+20%) from 7,815 tests