HONDA BEAT (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 37 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,530
£128/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
650cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £1530/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 650cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
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 28 years old, 70% of HONDA BEATs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 37 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 105,651 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
105,651
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 HONDA BEAT has 105,651 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 2026, 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 28 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 £1,530 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 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 28 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 HONDA BEAT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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
Watch outWith an average of 106k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 HONDA BEAT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HONDA BEAT(1998) | 70% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1530 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2000) | 71% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1997) | 70% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
| RENAULT CLIO(1999) | 65% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1740+£210 |
| PEUGEOT 106(1997) | 70% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540+£10 |
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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VOLKSWAGEN POLO
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NISSAN MICRA
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RENAULT CLIO
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