Ford Explorer (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 203 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4008cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4008cc27 years old203 tests114k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4008cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

81% of MOT tests on Ford Explorers from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 203 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 114,067 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models99th of 361(top half)

Rank among Ford models776th of 1,136(bottom half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+6%(75% avg)

vs Ford average-4%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

114,067

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Ford Explorer had 114,067 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Ford Explorer by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	88%	32	89,490 mi
2014	89%	44	97,646 mi
2013	89%	61	84,193 mi
2012	100%	38	84,961 mi
2005	89%	92	72,400 mi
2004	78%	69	77,520 mi
2003	88%	49	93,976 mi
2002	73%	33	83,397 mi
2000	73%	158	91,142 mi
1999	81%	203	114,067 mi
1998	66%	197	109,272 mi
1997	76%	98	104,130 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

same

Porsche 911

1998 · 3596cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+4%

Land Rover Range Rover

2001 · 3950cc Petrol

£3,153/year

80%

-1%

Jaguar XJ

1998 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

-4%

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About the 1999 Ford Explorer

The 1999 Ford Explorer is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4008cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 203 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 114,067 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Explorer owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1999 Ford Explorer?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford Explorer Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Explorers pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1999 Ford Explorer

At 27 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 27 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 114k 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 1999 Ford Explorer stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford Explorer(1999)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
Jaguar XK8(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Porsche 911(1998)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Land Rover Range Rover(2001)	80%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£415
Jaguar XJ(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1999 Ford Explorer

Is the 1999 Ford Explorer reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 1999 Ford Explorers ended in a pass, from 203 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Ford Explorer cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Ford Explorer?

81% of 203 MOT tests on the 1999 Ford Explorer ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 99th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top half).

Which year Ford Explorer has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 Ford Explorer has the highest MOT pass rate at 81% and the 1998 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Ford Explorer?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Ford Explorer is 114,067 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.