FORD PUMA (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 491 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
491
Avg Mileage
56,078 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1998 FORD PUMA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 26 years old, 68% of FORD PUMAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 491 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 56,078 miles.
How does the 1998 FORD PUMA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 FORD PUMA has 56,078 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a FORD PUMA?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 68%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1998 FORD PUMA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD PUMA by Year
Checking a specific FORD PUMA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 FORD PUMA
The 1998 FORD PUMA is a family car with a 1679cc petrol engine. 491 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 85% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 56,078 miles at 26 years old, FORD PUMA 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 PUMA Fuel Costs
The 1679cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 PUMA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FORD PUMA Reliability Trend
Newer FORD PUMAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 FORD PUMA
At 26 years old, the FORD PUMA 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.
Alternatives to the 1998 FORD PUMA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+5%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+21%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (+2%) from 6,792 tests