Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 92 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,088

£257/month

MOT Pass Rate

66%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3960cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

66% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 16 points below average.

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Petrol3960cc28 years old92 tests92k 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

£700

Total per year£3,088

Per month£257/mo

Per week£59/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

66% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Jeep brand average of 78%.

66% of MOT tests on Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sports from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 92 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,401 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models292nd of 325(bottom 11%)

Rank among Jeep models299th of 333(bottom 11%)

vs average of all models-16%(82% avg)

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

vs Jeep average-12%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,401

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport had 92,401 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 73%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1998 scores 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	67%	169	77,828 mi
1998	66%	92	92,401 mi
1997	73%	105	85,533 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

+15%

Porsche 911

1998 · 3596cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+19%

Jaguar XJ

1998 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+11%

Land Rover Range Rover

1999 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+13%

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About the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport

The 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3960cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 92 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 11% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 92,401 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 Sport?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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.

Buying a Used 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport

At 28 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 73%. Note: with only 92 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 66% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 Sport 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 Sport(1998)	66%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£3,088
Jaguar XK8(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£350
Porsche 911(1998)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£350
Jaguar XJ(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888-£200
Land Rover Range Rover(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888-£200

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 Sport

Is the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 66% of MOT tests on 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sports ended in a pass, from 92 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

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

Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 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 Sport?

66% of 92 MOT tests on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 292nd of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 11%).

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

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport has the highest MOT pass rate at 73% and the 1999 the lowest at 67%. 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 Sport?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport is 92,401 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.