Honda Legend (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 52 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3474cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol3474cc28 years old52 tests129k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3474cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

81% of MOT tests on Honda Legends from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 52 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 128,659 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models85th of 325(top half)

Rank among Honda models259th of 402(bottom half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+6%(75% avg)

vs Honda average-3%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

128,659

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Honda Legend had 128,659 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 2006 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 80%. The 1998 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Honda Legend by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2009	81%	119	92,762 mi
2008	80%	186	98,586 mi
2007	83%	164	92,599 mi
2006	87%	104	97,097 mi
2002	94%	34	97,808 mi
2001	70%	37	97,616 mi
2000	76%	45	88,352 mi
1999	69%	94	116,873 mi
1998	81%	52	128,659 mi
1997	91%	66	95,391 mi
1996	75%	61	114,329 mi
1994	72%	47	131,111 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-3%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+6%

Land Rover Range Rover

1999 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-2%

TVR Chimaera

1998 · 3948cc Petrol

£2,588/year

92%

+11%

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About the 1998 Honda Legend

The 1998 Honda Legend is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3474cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 52 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 128,659 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda Legend owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Honda Legend Fuel Costs

The 3474cc 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 £1,958 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 Legend?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Honda Legend Reliability Trend

Older Honda Legends tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 5 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1998 Honda Legend

At 28 years old, the Honda Legend 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 2006 model has the highest pass rate at 87%. Note: with only 52 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 129k 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.

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 Legend 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 Legend(1998)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Land Rover Range Rover(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
TVR Chimaera(1998)	92%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£150

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 Legend

Is the 1998 Honda Legend reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 1998 Honda Legends ended in a pass, from 52 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Honda Legend cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Honda Legend?

81% of 52 MOT tests on the 1998 Honda Legend ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 85th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

Which year Honda Legend has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2006 Honda Legend has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 2008 the lowest at 80%. 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 Legend?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Honda Legend is 128,659 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.