JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 92 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
92
Avg Mileage
92,401 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 1998 JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the JEEP brand average of 78%.
At 26 years old, 66% of JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORTs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 92 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,401 miles.
How does the 1998 JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT has 92,401 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 JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT?
The most reliable year is the 1997 model with a 73% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 66%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1998 JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT 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.
JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT by Year
Checking a specific JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT
The 1998 JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT is a performance with a 3960cc petrol engine. 92 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 92,401 miles at 26 years old, JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT 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 SPORT 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 £1,592 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 4.0 SPORT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT Reliability Trend
Older JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORTs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 7 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1998 JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT
At 26 years old, the JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT 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. Note: with only 92 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XK8 (1997) 81% pass rate (+15%) from 3,443 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1998) 85% pass rate (+19%) from 3,337 tests
- JAGUAR XJ (1998) 77% pass rate (+11%) from 2,154 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (1999) 79% pass rate (+13%) from 2,067 tests