Ford Fiesta (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,382 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,527

£211/month

MOT Pass Rate

65%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1753cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

65% pass rate, £2,527/year to run. 17 points below average.

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Diesel1753cc28 years old4,382 tests56k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1753cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,527

Per month£211/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

65% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

65% of MOT tests on Ford Fiestas from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 4,382 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 56,318 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models297th of 325(bottom 9%)

Rank among Ford models1099th of 1,136(bottom 4%)

vs average of all models-17%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-10%(75% avg)

vs Ford average-20%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

56,318

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Ford Fiesta had 56,318 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2000 · 1951cc Diesel

£2,327/year

77%

+12%

Mercedes C

1997 · 2155cc Diesel

£2,456/year

81%

+16%

Peugeot 206

2000 · 1997cc Diesel

£2,527/year

65%

same

Peugeot 306

2000 · 1997cc Diesel

£2,527/year

69%

+4%

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About the 1998 Ford Fiesta

The 1998 Ford Fiesta is a family car. Our records list a 1753cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,382 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 9% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 56,318 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 £2,527 (£211/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £375 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Ford Fiesta

At 28 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.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 1998 Ford Fiesta 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 Fiesta(1998)	65%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527
BMW 3 Series(2000)	77%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,327-£200
Mercedes C(1997)	81%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,456-£71
Peugeot 206(2000)	65%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527same
Peugeot 306(2000)	69%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527same

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 1998 Ford Fiesta

Is the 1998 Ford Fiesta reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 1998 Ford Fiestas ended in a pass, from 4,382 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Ford Fiesta cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,527 a year (£211 a month): £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Ford Fiesta?

65% of 4,382 MOT tests on the 1998 Ford Fiesta ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 297th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 9%).

Which year Ford Fiesta has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Ford Fiesta has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1998 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Ford Fiesta?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Ford Fiesta is 56,318 miles, 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.