HONDA LEGEND (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 52 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3474cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3474cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 81% of HONDA LEGENDs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 52 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 128,659 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
128,659
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 HONDA LEGEND has 128,659 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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1997 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1998 sits between the two at 81%.
HONDA LEGEND by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 HONDA LEGEND
The 1998 HONDA LEGEND is a performance with a 3474cc petrol engine. 52 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 128,659 miles at 28 years old, 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 £1,592 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 LEGEND?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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
Newer HONDA LEGENDs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
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 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. Note: with only 52 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 HONDA LEGEND's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 riskLarger 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 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 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 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 LEGEND stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HONDA LEGEND(1998) | 81% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| BMW Z3(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
| PORSCHE 911(1999) | 87% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(1999) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
| TVR CHIMAERA(1998) | 92% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
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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