Honda Legend (1999)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 94 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,088
£257/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3474cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Honda brand average of 84%.
69% of MOT tests on Honda Legends from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 94 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 116,873 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
116,873
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 1999 Honda Legend had 116,873 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 1999 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Honda Legend by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1999 Honda Legend
The 1999 Honda Legend is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3474cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 94 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 21% of 1999 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 116,873 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda Legend owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 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 1999 Honda Legend?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 1999 Honda Legend
At 27 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 94 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 outAt 27 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 117k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 1999 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(1999) | 69% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £3,088 |
| BMW 3 Series(2001) | 77% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958-£130 |
| BMW Z3(1999) | 78% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,888-£200 |
| Porsche Boxster(2001) | 83% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153+£65 |
| Porsche 911(1999) | 87% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738-£350 |
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 1999 Honda Legend
Is the 1999 Honda Legend reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 1999 Honda Legends ended in a pass, from 94 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1999 Honda Legend cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 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 1999 Honda Legend?
69% of 94 MOT tests on the 1999 Honda Legend ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 287th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom 21%).
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 1999 Honda Legend?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Honda Legend is 116,873 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Honda Models
Explore other Honda cars or similar models in the same category.
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