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FORD SCORPIO (1998)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 107 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2935cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2427/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol2935cc28 years old107 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2935cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2935cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,427
Per month£202/mo
Per week£47/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.

At 28 years old, 88% of FORD SCORPIOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 107 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,580 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 cars41th of 340(top 12%)
Rank among FORD models554th of 1,167(top 47%)
vs national average+6%(82% avg)
vs 1998 cars average+13%(75% avg)
vs FORD average+3%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,580

Average miles

vs

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1998 FORD SCORPIO has 92,580 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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FORD SCORPIO by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
199888%10792,580 mi
199775%8185,568 mi
199669%64129,672 mi
199578%10896,295 mi

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About the 1998 FORD SCORPIO

The 1998 FORD SCORPIO is a large car with a 2935cc petrol engine. 107 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 1998 cars for reliability.

With an average of 92,580 miles at 28 years old, FORD SCORPIO 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 SCORPIO Fuel Costs

The 2935cc 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 SCORPIO?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

FORD SCORPIO Reliability Trend

Newer FORD SCORPIOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1998 FORD SCORPIO

At 28 years old, the FORD SCORPIO 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1998 FORD SCORPIO'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

Medium risk

With an average of 93k 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 SCORPIO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
FORD SCORPIO(1998)88%£1592£430Grp 30-42£2427
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996)67%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2597+£170
BMW Z3(1999)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£30
BMW 3 SERIES(1999)78%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2397-£30
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2000)82%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2247-£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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Related Guides

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