Jeep Wrangler 2.5 (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 350 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2464cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol2464cc28 years old350 tests86k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2464cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Jeep brand average of 78%.

73% of MOT tests on Jeep Wrangler 2.5s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 350 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 85,886 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models180th of 325(bottom half)

Rank among Jeep models208th of 333(bottom half)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-2%(75% avg)

vs Jeep average-5%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

85,886

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 had 85,886 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 1997 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 74%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1998 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Jeep Wrangler 2.5 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1998	73%	350	85,886 mi
1997	74%	341	90,329 mi
1996	89%	73	62,893 mi
1995	59%	59	100,850 mi
1994	73%	44	110,041 mi
1993	63%	126	94,401 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+4%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+5%

Ford Focus

2000 · 1989cc Petrol

£2,761/year

67%

-6%

Mercedes SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+6%

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About the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 2.5

The 1998 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 is a large car. Our records list a 2464cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 350 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 85,886 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Jeep Wrangler 2.5 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 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 Fuel Costs

The 2464cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 Jeep Wrangler 2.5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Jeep Wrangler 2.5 Reliability Trend

Newer Jeep Wrangler 2.5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Jeep Wrangler 2.5

At 28 years old, the Jeep Wrangler 2.5 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 74%.

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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 86k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

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 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 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
Jeep Wrangler 2.5(1998)	73%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Ford Focus(2000)	67%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761-£127
Mercedes SLK(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same

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 Jeep Wrangler 2.5

Is the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 1998 Jeep Wrangler 2.5s ended in a pass, from 350 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Jeep Wrangler 2.5?

73% of 350 MOT tests on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 180th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).

Which year Jeep Wrangler 2.5 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 74% and the 1993 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Jeep Wrangler 2.5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 is 85,886 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.