HONDA CIVIC (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 3,450 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests (2024)
3,450
Avg Mileage
97,935 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,722
Is the 1998 HONDA CIVIC reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HONDA brand average of 84%.
At 26 years old, 73% of HONDA CIVICs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 3,450 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 97,935 miles.
How does the 1998 HONDA CIVIC compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 HONDA CIVIC has 97,935 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.
Best year to buy a HONDA CIVIC?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1998 sits between the two at 73%.
How much does a 1998 HONDA CIVIC 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.
HONDA CIVIC by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92% | 349 | 26,594 mi |
| 2020 | 93% | 7,003 | 31,000 mi |
| 2019 | 92% | 24,222 | 38,422 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 26,013 | 46,367 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 26,452 | 51,272 mi |
| 2016 | 89% | 26,607 | 63,520 mi |
| 2015 | 87% | 24,580 | 73,001 mi |
| 2014 | 86% | 23,400 | 81,465 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 24,777 | 91,361 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 21,831 | 94,140 mi |
| 2011 | 76% | 20,167 | 92,437 mi |
| 2010 | 75% | 31,308 | 104,886 mi |
| 2009 | 74% | 36,553 | 111,499 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 40,632 | 118,507 mi |
| 2007 | 72% | 45,025 | 122,456 mi |
| 2006 | 71% | 28,045 | 126,100 mi |
| 2005 | 73% | 24,685 | 110,833 mi |
| 2004 | 72% | 20,938 | 113,431 mi |
| 2003 | 70% | 14,502 | 108,344 mi |
| 2002 | 72% | 12,455 | 110,076 mi |
| 2001 | 70% | 8,335 | 103,354 mi |
| 2000 | 77% | 2,871 | 96,666 mi |
| 1999 | 75% | 4,540 | 98,943 mi |
| 1998 | 73% | 3,450 | 97,935 mi |
| 1997 | 72% | 2,947 | 98,250 mi |
| 1996 | 73% | 2,065 | 99,417 mi |
| 1995 | 80% | 1,223 | 100,022 mi |
| 1994 | 80% | 781 | 93,399 mi |
| 1993 | 88% | 427 | 92,937 mi |
| 1992 | 87% | 297 | 97,411 mi |
| 1991 | 83% | 581 | 103,278 mi |
| 1990 | 79% | 253 | 89,385 mi |
Checking a specific HONDA CIVIC?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 HONDA CIVIC
The 1998 HONDA CIVIC is a small family car with a 1396cc petrol engine. 3,450 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 97,935 miles at 26 years old, HONDA CIVIC owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 HONDA CIVIC Fuel Costs
The 1396cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 CIVIC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,722 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
HONDA CIVIC Reliability Trend
Newer HONDA CIVICs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 HONDA CIVIC
At 26 years old, the HONDA CIVIC 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.
Alternatives to the 1998 HONDA CIVIC
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (same) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-2%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+16%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-3%) from 6,792 tests