CarCostCheck

FORD ESCORT (1998)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,292 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

74%

Total Tests (2024)

1,292

Avg Mileage

59,153 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,017

Is the 1998 FORD ESCORT reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 26 years old, 74% of FORD ESCORTs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,292 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 59,153 miles.

How does the 1998 FORD ESCORT compare?

Rank among all 1998 cars172th out of 340(top 51%)
Rank among all FORD models945th out of 1,167(top 81%)
vs national average-8% (82% avg)
vs 1998 cars average-1% (75% avg)
vs FORD average-11% (85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 1998 FORD ESCORT has 59,153 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 FORD ESCORT?

The most reliable year is the 1992 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1998 sits between the two at 74%.

How much does a 1998 FORD ESCORT cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)
£1,327
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,017
Per month£168/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

FORD ESCORT by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
2019100%3232,761 mi
2016100%3349,005 mi
201591%3445,109 mi
200274%525107,053 mi
200171%69598,376 mi
200071%80183,996 mi
199971%70655,466 mi
199874%1,29259,153 mi
199772%1,79756,799 mi
199677%1,82056,809 mi
199581%1,37752,782 mi
199483%1,00857,612 mi
199383%1,09751,371 mi
199288%73350,276 mi
199185%78253,590 mi
199085%2,67252,314 mi

Checking a specific FORD ESCORT?

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About the 1998 FORD ESCORT

The 1998 FORD ESCORT is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 1,292 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 59,153 miles at 26 years old, FORD ESCORT 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 FORD ESCORT Fuel Costs

The 1796cc 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 ESCORT?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

FORD ESCORT Reliability Trend

Older FORD ESCORTs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 11 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1998 FORD ESCORT

At 26 years old, the FORD ESCORT 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 1992 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

Alternatives to the 1998 FORD ESCORT

The FORD ESCORT is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: