JEEP WRANGLER (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 130 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
130
Avg Mileage
102,624 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1998 JEEP WRANGLER reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 78% of JEEP WRANGLERs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 130 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 102,624 miles.
How does the 1998 JEEP WRANGLER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 JEEP WRANGLER has 102,624 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a JEEP WRANGLER?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1998 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 1998 JEEP WRANGLER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
JEEP WRANGLER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 76% | 55 | 22,432 mi |
| 2021 | 92% | 1,014 | 25,159 mi |
| 2020 | 97% | 1,100 | 27,112 mi |
| 2019 | 93% | 1,635 | 34,799 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 832 | 40,647 mi |
| 2017 | 87% | 765 | 44,380 mi |
| 2016 | 87% | 798 | 52,444 mi |
| 2015 | 84% | 1,362 | 58,367 mi |
| 2014 | 83% | 1,050 | 66,190 mi |
| 2013 | 81% | 542 | 71,203 mi |
| 2012 | 88% | 90 | 88,026 mi |
| 2011 | 93% | 75 | 66,724 mi |
| 2010 | 79% | 132 | 78,289 mi |
| 2009 | 76% | 71 | 82,717 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 116 | 96,992 mi |
| 2007 | 79% | 134 | 86,919 mi |
| 2006 | 86% | 167 | 73,411 mi |
| 2005 | 89% | 110 | 69,925 mi |
| 2004 | 84% | 131 | 78,614 mi |
| 2003 | 80% | 153 | 82,362 mi |
| 2002 | 88% | 86 | 80,793 mi |
| 2001 | 77% | 77 | 97,349 mi |
| 2000 | 90% | 67 | 78,650 mi |
| 1999 | 70% | 70 | 83,218 mi |
| 1998 | 78% | 130 | 102,624 mi |
| 1997 | 84% | 83 | 81,379 mi |
Checking a specific JEEP WRANGLER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 JEEP WRANGLER
The 1998 JEEP WRANGLER is a performance with a 4000cc petrol engine. 130 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, 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 102,624 miles at 26 years old, JEEP WRANGLER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 JEEP WRANGLER Fuel Costs
The 4000cc 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 JEEP WRANGLER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
JEEP WRANGLER Reliability Trend
Newer JEEP WRANGLERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 JEEP WRANGLER
At 26 years old, the JEEP WRANGLER 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 1998 JEEP WRANGLER
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XK8 (1997) 81% pass rate (+3%) from 3,443 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1998) 85% pass rate (+7%) from 3,337 tests
- JAGUAR XJ (1998) 77% pass rate (-1%) from 2,154 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (1999) 79% pass rate (+1%) from 2,067 tests