FORD MUSTANG (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 70 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
70
Avg Mileage
115,083 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 1998 FORD MUSTANG reliable?
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 26 years old, 90% of FORD MUSTANGs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 70 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,083 miles.
How does the 1998 FORD MUSTANG compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 FORD MUSTANG has 115,083 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a FORD MUSTANG?
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%.
How much does a 1998 FORD MUSTANG cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific FORD MUSTANG?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 26 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 £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 26 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.
Alternatives to the 1998 FORD MUSTANG
The FORD MUSTANG is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES SL (1997) 87% pass rate (-3%) from 2,117 tests
- TVR CHIMAERA (1999) 88% pass rate (-2%) from 1,468 tests
- TOYOTA LAND CRUISER (1998) 78% pass rate (-12%) from 1,301 tests
- BMW 840 (1997) 89% pass rate (-1%) from 567 tests