Ford Mustang (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 70 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4600cc Petrol

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £2,588/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

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Ford brand average of 85%.

90% of MOT tests on Ford Mustangs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 70 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 115,083 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models33rd of 325(top 11%)

Rank among Ford models458th of 1,136(top half)

vs average of all models+8%(82% avg)

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

vs Ford average+5%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

115,083

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Ford Mustang had 115,083 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 1998 scores 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

£2,738/year

87%

-3%

TVR Chimaera

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

-2%

Toyota Land Cruiser

1998 · 4477cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-12%

BMW 840

1997 · 4398cc Petrol

£2,738/year

89%

-1%

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About the 1998 Ford Mustang

The 1998 Ford Mustang is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4600cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 70 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 115,083 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 Ford Mustang?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 70 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford Mustang(1998)	90%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588
Mercedes SL(1997)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
TVR Chimaera(1999)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
Toyota Land Cruiser(1998)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£300
BMW 840(1997)	89%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150

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 Mustang

Is the 1998 Ford Mustang reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 1998 Ford Mustangs ended in a pass, from 70 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Ford Mustang cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

90% of 70 MOT tests on the 1998 Ford Mustang ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 33rd of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 11%).

Which year Ford Mustang has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Ford Mustang has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2000 the lowest at 76%. 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 Mustang?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Ford Mustang is 115,083 miles, 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.