Jeep Wrangler 4.0 (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 158 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,456

£205/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2700cc Diesel

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,456/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2700cc28 years old158 tests92k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2700cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,456

Per month£205/mo

Per week£47/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Jeep brand average of 78%.

84% of MOT tests on Jeep Wrangler 4.0s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 158 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 91,586 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models60th of 325(top 19%)

Rank among Jeep models81st of 333(top 25%)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+9%(75% avg)

vs Jeep average+6%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,586

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 had 91,586 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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Jeep Wrangler 4.0 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1998	84%	158	91,586 mi
1997	74%	141	101,741 mi
1995	87%	46	81,109 mi
1994	75%	40	83,786 mi
1993	70%	63	85,987 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Defender

1997 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

76%

-8%

Land Rover Discovery

1999 · 2487cc Diesel

£2,606/year

75%

-9%

Volvo V70

1999 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

72%

-12%

Volvo 800 Series

1996 · 2460cc Diesel

£2,606/year

74%

-10%

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About the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0

The 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 is a large car. Our records list a 2700cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 158 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 91,586 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Jeep Wrangler 4.0 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 4.0 Fuel Costs

The 2700cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,456 (£205/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0

At 28 years old, the Jeep Wrangler 4.0 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.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 92k 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 4.0 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 4.0(1998)	84%	£1,676	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,456
Land Rover Defender(1997)	76%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606+£150
Land Rover Discovery(1999)	75%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606+£150
Volvo V70(1999)	72%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606+£150
Volvo 800 Series(1996)	74%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606+£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 Jeep Wrangler 4.0

Is the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0s ended in a pass, from 158 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,456 a year (£205 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0?

84% of 158 MOT tests on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 60th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 19%).

Which year Jeep Wrangler 4.0 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 has the highest MOT pass rate at 84% and the 1997 the lowest at 74%. 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 4.0?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 is 91,586 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.