FORD EXPLORER (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 197 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
197
Avg Mileage
109,272 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 1998 FORD EXPLORER reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 26 years old, 66% of FORD EXPLORERs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 197 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,272 miles.
How does the 1998 FORD EXPLORER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 FORD EXPLORER has 109,272 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 EXPLORER?
The most reliable year is the 2005 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 66%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1998 FORD EXPLORER 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 EXPLORER by Year
Checking a specific FORD EXPLORER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 FORD EXPLORER
The 1998 FORD EXPLORER is a performance with a 4008cc petrol engine. 197 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 109,272 miles at 26 years old, FORD EXPLORER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 FORD EXPLORER Fuel Costs
The 4008cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 EXPLORER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FORD EXPLORER Reliability Trend
Newer FORD EXPLORERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 FORD EXPLORER
At 26 years old, the FORD EXPLORER 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.
Alternatives to the 1998 FORD EXPLORER
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XK8 (1997) 81% pass rate (+15%) from 3,443 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1998) 85% pass rate (+19%) from 3,337 tests
- JAGUAR XJ (1998) 77% pass rate (+11%) from 2,154 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (1999) 79% pass rate (+13%) from 2,067 tests