Honda NSX (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 34 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

94%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2970cc Petrol

Great Choice

94% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 12 points above average.

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Petrol2970cc28 years old34 tests68k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2970cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/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

94% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Honda brand average of 84%.

94% of MOT tests on Honda NSXs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 34 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 67,685 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models18th of 325(top 6%)

Rank among Honda models77th of 402(top 20%)

vs average of all models+12%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+19%(75% avg)

vs Honda average+10%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

67,685

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Honda NSX had 67,685 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 99%, while the 2017 model has the lowest at 98%. The 1998 scores 94%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Honda NSX by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	97%	33	14,949 mi
2017	98%	397	8,044 mi
2016	100%	37	29,153 mi
2004	100%	31	45,859 mi
2002	100%	34	50,288 mi
1998	94%	34	67,685 mi
1997	100%	57	79,327 mi
1996	97%	62	95,385 mi
1995	85%	55	72,773 mi
1993	96%	45	92,755 mi
1992	97%	77	83,101 mi
1991	99%	141	68,904 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-16%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-16%

Porsche Boxster

2000 · 2700cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

-12%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

-7%

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About the 1998 Honda NSX

The 1998 Honda NSX is a large car. Our records list a 2970cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 34 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 67,685 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda NSX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1998 Honda NSX Fuel Costs

The 2970cc 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 NSX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Buying a Used 1998 Honda NSX

At 28 years old, the Honda NSX 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 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 99%. Note: with only 34 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.

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 NSX 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 NSX(1998)	94%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,588
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£300
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£300
Porsche Boxster(2000)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738+£150
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£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 NSX

Is the 1998 Honda NSX reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 94% of MOT tests on 1998 Honda NSXs ended in a pass, from 34 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Honda NSX cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

94% of 34 MOT tests on the 1998 Honda NSX ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 18th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 6%).

Which year Honda NSX has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Honda NSX has the highest MOT pass rate at 99% and the 2017 the lowest at 98%. 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 NSX?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Honda NSX is 67,685 miles, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.