FORD UNCLASSIFIED (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 38 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
38
Avg Mileage
80,916 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1998 FORD UNCLASSIFIED reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 26 years old, 76% of FORD UNCLASSIFIEDs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 38 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 80,916 miles.
How does the 1998 FORD UNCLASSIFIED compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 FORD UNCLASSIFIED has 80,916 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 UNCLASSIFIED?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1998 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1998 FORD UNCLASSIFIED 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 UNCLASSIFIED by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92% | 319 | 16,529 mi |
| 2020 | 90% | 240 | 37,713 mi |
| 2019 | 96% | 211 | 47,454 mi |
| 2018 | 88% | 195 | 38,658 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 213 | 47,686 mi |
| 2016 | 87% | 152 | 60,609 mi |
| 2015 | 84% | 303 | 69,351 mi |
| 2014 | 82% | 200 | 66,491 mi |
| 2013 | 86% | 338 | 72,228 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 446 | 87,499 mi |
| 2011 | 84% | 129 | 96,284 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 116 | 103,666 mi |
| 2009 | 74% | 129 | 103,310 mi |
| 2008 | 81% | 192 | 103,519 mi |
| 2007 | 77% | 236 | 96,050 mi |
| 2006 | 78% | 159 | 91,424 mi |
| 2005 | 78% | 171 | 94,480 mi |
| 2004 | 81% | 97 | 66,897 mi |
| 2003 | 79% | 68 | 87,194 mi |
| 2002 | 85% | 54 | 75,694 mi |
| 2001 | 83% | 59 | 99,105 mi |
| 2000 | 87% | 39 | 88,838 mi |
| 1999 | 84% | 68 | 103,453 mi |
| 1998 | 76% | 38 | 80,916 mi |
| 1997 | 66% | 62 | 94,805 mi |
| 1996 | 86% | 70 | 125,531 mi |
| 1995 | 77% | 73 | 117,708 mi |
| 1994 | 62% | 52 | 76,199 mi |
| 1993 | 69% | 35 | 96,954 mi |
| 1992 | 86% | 37 | 69,543 mi |
| 1990 | 76% | 34 | 75,159 mi |
Checking a specific FORD UNCLASSIFIED?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 FORD UNCLASSIFIED
The 1998 FORD UNCLASSIFIED is a performance with a 4700cc petrol engine. 38 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 80,916 miles at 26 years old, FORD UNCLASSIFIED 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 UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs
The 4700cc 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 UNCLASSIFIED?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD UNCLASSIFIED Reliability Trend
Newer FORD UNCLASSIFIEDs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 FORD UNCLASSIFIED
At 26 years old, the FORD UNCLASSIFIED 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 38 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 FORD UNCLASSIFIED
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES SL (1997) 87% pass rate (+11%) from 2,117 tests
- TVR CHIMAERA (1999) 88% pass rate (+12%) from 1,468 tests
- TOYOTA LAND CRUISER (1998) 78% pass rate (+2%) from 1,301 tests
- BMW 840 (1997) 89% pass rate (+13%) from 567 tests