HONDA BEAT (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 37 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
37
Avg Mileage
105,651 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 1998 HONDA BEAT reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HONDA brand average of 84%.
At 26 years old, 70% of HONDA BEATs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 37 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 105,651 miles.
How does the 1998 HONDA BEAT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 HONDA BEAT has 105,651 miles on the clock, 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.
How much does a 1998 HONDA BEAT 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.
Checking a specific HONDA BEAT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 HONDA BEAT
The 1998 HONDA BEAT is a city car with a 650cc petrol engine. 37 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 105,651 miles at 26 years old, HONDA BEAT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 HONDA BEAT Fuel Costs
The modest 650cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 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 HONDA BEAT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1998 HONDA BEAT
At 26 years old, the HONDA BEAT 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. Note: with only 37 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 HONDA BEAT
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2000) 71% pass rate (+1%) from 4,800 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1997) 70% pass rate (same) from 2,273 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (1999) 65% pass rate (-5%) from 1,795 tests
- PEUGEOT 106 (1997) 70% pass rate (same) from 1,589 tests