Ford Scorpio (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 107 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2935cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,738/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

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

88% of MOT tests on Ford Scorpios from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 107 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,580 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models39th of 325(top 12%)

Rank among Ford models549th of 1,136(top half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+13%(75% avg)

vs Ford average+3%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,580

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Ford Scorpio had 92,580 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Ford Scorpio by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1998	88%	107	92,580 mi
1997	75%	81	85,568 mi
1996	69%	64	129,672 mi
1995	78%	108	96,295 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-10%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-10%

Porsche Boxster

2000 · 2700cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

-6%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

-1%

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About the 1998 Ford Scorpio

The 1998 Ford Scorpio is a large car. Our records list a 2935cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 107 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 92,580 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 Scorpio?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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.

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

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

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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford Scorpio(1998)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£150
Porsche Boxster(2000)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738same
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same

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 Scorpio

Is the 1998 Ford Scorpio reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 1998 Ford Scorpios ended in a pass, from 107 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Ford Scorpio cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

88% of 107 MOT tests on the 1998 Ford Scorpio ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 39th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 12%).

Which year Ford Scorpio has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Ford Scorpio has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 1995 the lowest at 78%. 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 Scorpio?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Ford Scorpio is 92,580 miles, 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.