Is the 1998 FORD MUSTANG reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of FORD MUSTANGs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 70 tests. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 1998 FORD MUSTANG cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 FORD MUSTANG?

The 1998 FORD MUSTANG has a 90% MOT pass rate based on 70 tests in 2026. This ranks 35 out of 340 cars from 1998.

Which year FORD MUSTANG is most reliable?

The 2022 FORD MUSTANG has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%. The least reliable year is 2000 at 76%.

FORD MUSTANG (1998)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1998 FORD MUSTANG?

The average mileage for a 1998 FORD MUSTANG is 115,083 miles, 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.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 70 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,607

£217/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4600cc Petrol

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Petrol4600cc28 years old70 tests115k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4600cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 4600cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,607

Per month£217/mo

Per week£50/wk

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

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 28 years old, 90% of FORD MUSTANGs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 70 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,083 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 cars35th of 340(top 10%)

Rank among FORD models461th of 1,167(top 40%)

vs national average+8%(82% avg)

vs 1998 cars average+15%(75% avg)

vs FORD average+5%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

115,083

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1998 FORD MUSTANG has 115,083 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 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 1998 sits between the two at 90%.

FORD MUSTANG by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	96%	54	13,235 mi
2021	91%	923	15,949 mi
2020	92%	2,330	18,792 mi
2019	89%	3,200	23,848 mi
2018	90%	5,727	30,511 mi
2017	90%	5,161	33,418 mi
2016	88%	6,644	36,878 mi
2015	88%	797	42,568 mi
2014	90%	193	54,631 mi
2013	90%	223	53,084 mi
2012	88%	250	63,500 mi
2011	82%	199	70,044 mi
2010	86%	242	71,217 mi
2009	88%	260	65,602 mi
2008	88%	463	57,208 mi
2007	87%	628	66,137 mi
2006	86%	651	73,935 mi
2005	88%	677	72,553 mi
2004	82%	147	59,270 mi
2003	85%	95	81,097 mi
2002	92%	75	77,428 mi
2001	85%	88	67,827 mi
2000	76%	128	75,538 mi
1999	88%	101	85,621 mi
1998	90%	70	115,083 mi
1997	84%	125	77,032 mi
1996	84%	170	96,301 mi
1995	84%	137	92,168 mi
1994	84%	124	84,772 mi
1991	98%	48	73,234 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MERCEDES SL

1997 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,247/year

87%

-3%

TVR CHIMAERA

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,247/year

88%

-2%

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

1998 · 4477cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

-12%

BMW 840

1997 · 4398cc Petrol

£2,247/year

89%

-1%

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About the 1998 FORD MUSTANG

The 1998 FORD MUSTANG is a performance with a 4600cc petrol engine. 70 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 1998 cars for reliability.

With an average of 115,083 miles at 28 years old, FORD MUSTANG owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 FORD MUSTANG Fuel Costs

The 4600cc 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 MUSTANG?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

FORD MUSTANG Reliability Trend

Newer FORD MUSTANGs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1998 FORD MUSTANG

At 28 years old, the FORD MUSTANG 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 96%. Note: with only 70 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1998 FORD MUSTANG's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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 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 115k 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 1998 FORD MUSTANG stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FORD MUSTANG(1998)	90%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2607
MERCEDES SL(1997)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360
TVR CHIMAERA(1999)	88%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER(1998)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£210
BMW 840(1997)	89%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360

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.