Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 103 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3960cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol3960cc28 years old103 tests102k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3960cc)

~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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Jeep brand average of 78%.

74% of MOT tests on Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Saharas from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 103 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 101,544 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models169th of 325(bottom half)

Rank among Jeep models202nd of 333(bottom half)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-1%(75% avg)

vs Jeep average-4%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

101,544

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara had 101,544 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	69%	140	85,400 mi
1998	74%	103	101,544 mi
1997	72%	126	96,210 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

+7%

Porsche 911

1998 · 3596cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+11%

Jaguar XJ

1998 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+3%

Land Rover Range Rover

1999 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+5%

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About the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara

The 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3960cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 103 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 101,544 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara Fuel Costs

The 3960cc 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 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara?

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 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara Reliability Trend

The Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara

At 28 years old, the Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara 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.

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

Watch out

With an average of 102k 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 Sahara 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 Sahara(1998)	74%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Jaguar XK8(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Porsche 911(1998)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Jaguar XJ(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
Land Rover Range Rover(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£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 4.0 Sahara

Is the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Saharas ended in a pass, from 103 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara 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 4.0 Sahara?

74% of 103 MOT tests on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 169th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).

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

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara has the highest MOT pass rate at 74% and the 1999 the lowest at 69%. 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 Sahara?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sahara is 101,544 miles, 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.