FORD FIESTA (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,382 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
4,382
Avg Mileage
56,318 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,927
Is the 1998 FORD FIESTA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 26 years old, 65% of FORD FIESTAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,382 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 56,318 miles.
How does the 1998 FORD FIESTA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 FORD FIESTA has 56,318 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 FIESTA?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1998 FORD FIESTA 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 FIESTA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 93% | 404 | 18,726 mi |
| 2021 | 94% | 6,234 | 22,177 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 34,173 | 29,611 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 124,950 | 34,738 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 157,746 | 42,265 mi |
| 2017 | 85% | 154,616 | 48,995 mi |
| 2016 | 81% | 205,128 | 56,940 mi |
| 2015 | 81% | 225,575 | 63,696 mi |
| 2014 | 79% | 224,536 | 71,010 mi |
| 2013 | 77% | 211,536 | 77,629 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 185,847 | 83,104 mi |
| 2011 | 75% | 161,778 | 90,389 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 165,879 | 95,140 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 180,029 | 96,775 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 109,443 | 95,143 mi |
| 2007 | 72% | 99,442 | 96,164 mi |
| 2006 | 70% | 81,463 | 97,129 mi |
| 2005 | 70% | 48,429 | 97,715 mi |
| 2004 | 71% | 39,183 | 97,910 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 29,898 | 96,816 mi |
| 2002 | 70% | 14,118 | 88,471 mi |
| 2001 | 68% | 4,970 | 72,535 mi |
| 2000 | 67% | 2,809 | 71,739 mi |
| 1999 | 67% | 4,854 | 66,066 mi |
| 1998 | 65% | 4,382 | 56,318 mi |
| 1997 | 66% | 1,926 | 57,252 mi |
| 1996 | 71% | 1,061 | 51,823 mi |
| 1995 | 74% | 859 | 53,478 mi |
| 1994 | 77% | 616 | 50,884 mi |
| 1993 | 69% | 565 | 50,329 mi |
| 1992 | 76% | 545 | 53,988 mi |
| 1991 | 84% | 854 | 51,137 mi |
| 1990 | 83% | 479 | 53,299 mi |
Checking a specific FORD FIESTA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 FORD FIESTA
The 1998 FORD FIESTA is a family car with a 1753cc diesel engine. 4,382 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 91% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 56,318 miles at 26 years old, FORD FIESTA 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 FIESTA Fuel Costs
The 1753cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 FORD FIESTA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FORD FIESTA Reliability Trend
Newer FORD FIESTAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 FORD FIESTA
At 26 years old, the FORD FIESTA 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 FIESTA
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2000) 77% pass rate (+12%) from 4,799 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1999) 72% pass rate (+7%) from 4,393 tests
- MERCEDES C (1997) 81% pass rate (+16%) from 2,336 tests
- PEUGEOT 206 (2000) 65% pass rate (same) from 2,245 tests