Honda CR-V (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,169 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,761

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1973cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £2,761/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Petrol1973cc28 years old1,169 tests126k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1973cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,761

Per month£230/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

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Honda brand average of 84%.

67% of MOT tests on Honda CR-Vs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 1,169 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 126,291 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models280th of 325(bottom 15%)

Rank among Honda models385th of 402(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-15%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-8%(75% avg)

vs Honda average-17%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

126,291

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Honda CR-V had 126,291 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1998 scores 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Honda CR-V by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	96%	326	20,832 mi
2021	96%	13,284	24,270 mi
2020	96%	12,389	29,574 mi
2019	96%	15,141	35,707 mi
2018	93%	15,931	46,102 mi
2017	91%	20,232	55,840 mi
2016	91%	23,962	65,255 mi
2015	90%	23,539	74,210 mi
2014	88%	25,029	83,042 mi
2013	87%	23,931	90,377 mi
2012	85%	21,249	94,887 mi
2011	83%	17,179	106,314 mi
2010	82%	17,187	111,296 mi
2009	79%	16,755	127,800 mi
2008	76%	19,286	133,540 mi
2007	74%	26,436	135,871 mi
2006	72%	17,606	137,398 mi
2005	70%	16,222	139,535 mi
2004	70%	11,559	135,916 mi
2003	69%	9,218	136,701 mi
2002	69%	6,011	141,722 mi
2001	70%	2,186	122,406 mi
2000	65%	1,278	122,901 mi
1999	67%	1,607	129,634 mi
1998	67%	1,169	126,291 mi
1997	70%	268	128,330 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+6%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+4%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+12%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+8%

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About the 1998 Honda CR-V

The 1998 Honda CR-V is a family car. Our records list a 1973cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,169 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 15% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 126,291 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda CR-V owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Honda CR-V Fuel Costs

The 1973cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 Honda CR-V?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,761 (£230/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Honda CR-V Reliability Trend

Newer Honda CR-Vs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 19 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Honda CR-V

At 28 years old, the Honda CR-V 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%.

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.

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

Watch out

With an average of 126k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 Honda CR-V 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
Honda CR-V(1998)	67%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£433
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200

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 Honda CR-V

Is the 1998 Honda CR-V reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 1998 Honda CR-Vs ended in a pass, from 1,169 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Honda CR-V cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,761 a year (£230 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Honda CR-V?

67% of 1,169 MOT tests on the 1998 Honda CR-V ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 280th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 15%).

Which year Honda CR-V has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Honda CR-V has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 2000 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Honda CR-V?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Honda CR-V is 126,291 miles, 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.