HYUNDAI ACCENT (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 158 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Total Tests (2024)
158
Avg Mileage
76,667 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 1998 HYUNDAI ACCENT reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 26 years old, 67% of HYUNDAI ACCENTs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 158 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 76,667 miles.
How does the 1998 HYUNDAI ACCENT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 HYUNDAI ACCENT has 76,667 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a HYUNDAI ACCENT?
The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 74% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1998 sits between the two at 67%.
How much does a 1998 HYUNDAI ACCENT cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
HYUNDAI ACCENT by Year
Checking a specific HYUNDAI ACCENT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 HYUNDAI ACCENT
The 1998 HYUNDAI ACCENT is a small family car with a 1341cc petrol engine. 158 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 88% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 76,667 miles at 26 years old, HYUNDAI ACCENT 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 HYUNDAI ACCENT Fuel Costs
The 1341cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 HYUNDAI ACCENT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,922 (£160/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 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.
HYUNDAI ACCENT Reliability Trend
Newer HYUNDAI ACCENTs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 HYUNDAI ACCENT
At 26 years old, the HYUNDAI ACCENT 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 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 74%.
Alternatives to the 1998 HYUNDAI ACCENT
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+6%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+4%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+22%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (+3%) from 6,792 tests