FORD MONDEO (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 794 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2544cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2544cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 28 years old, 72% of FORD MONDEOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 794 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,643 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
104,643
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 FORD MONDEO has 104,643 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1998 sits between the two at 72%.
FORD MONDEO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 94% | 80 | 54,644 mi | |
| 2021 | 89% | 1,710 | 39,889 mi | |
| 2020 | 89% | 3,652 | 50,239 mi | |
| 2019 | 90% | 7,466 | 61,857 mi | |
| 2018 | 90% | 11,913 | 73,505 mi | |
| 2017 | 88% | 18,073 | 84,027 mi | |
| 2016 | 87% | 26,925 | 92,893 mi | |
| 2015 | 86% | 29,704 | 100,819 mi | |
| 2014 | 80% | 20,850 | 117,891 mi | |
| 2013 | 78% | 22,767 | 125,216 mi | |
| 2012 | 78% | 29,196 | 125,913 mi | |
| 2011 | 77% | 24,537 | 131,601 mi | |
| 2010 | 75% | 29,714 | 132,388 mi | |
| 2009 | 74% | 29,480 | 135,619 mi | |
| 2008 | 72% | 28,655 | 139,585 mi | |
| 2007 | 71% | 22,117 | 133,332 mi | |
| 2006 | 71% | 13,543 | 124,230 mi | |
| 2005 | 69% | 11,436 | 124,025 mi | |
| 2004 | 69% | 7,419 | 121,520 mi | |
| 2003 | 68% | 4,276 | 116,650 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 3,281 | 115,320 mi | |
| 2001 | 69% | 2,982 | 115,470 mi | |
| 2000 | 70% | 1,210 | 105,568 mi | |
| 1999 | 71% | 1,232 | 100,805 mi | |
| 1998 | 72% | 794 | 104,643 mi | |
| 1997 | 71% | 552 | 100,239 mi | |
| 1996 | 73% | 574 | 95,491 mi | |
| 1995 | 69% | 426 | 96,846 mi | |
| 1994 | 76% | 255 | 97,557 mi | |
| 1993 | 83% | 217 | 97,667 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 FORD MONDEO
The 1998 FORD MONDEO is a large car with a 2544cc petrol engine. 794 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 104,643 miles at 28 years old, FORD MONDEO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 FORD MONDEO Fuel Costs
The 2544cc 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 MONDEO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD MONDEO Reliability Trend
Newer FORD MONDEOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 FORD MONDEO
At 28 years old, the FORD MONDEO 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 FORD MONDEO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 28 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 105k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 MONDEO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD MONDEO(1998) | 72% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2577 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£20 |
| BMW Z3(1998) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£180 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| MERCEDES SLK(1999) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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