How much does a 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER?

The 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER has a 76% MOT pass rate based on 10,516 tests in 2026. This ranks 139 out of 340 cars from 1998.

Which year LAND ROVER DEFENDER is most reliable?

The 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%. The least reliable year is 1992 at 74%.

LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1998)

Q: Is the 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of LAND ROVER DEFENDERs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 10,516 tests. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER?

The average mileage for a 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER is 136,993 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 10,516 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,907

£242/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3528cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2907/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol3528cc28 years old10,516 tests137k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3528cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 3528cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,907

Per month£242/mo

Per week£56/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the LAND ROVER brand average of 90%.

At 28 years old, 76% of LAND ROVER DEFENDERs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 10,516 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 136,993 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 cars139th of 340(top 41%)

Rank among LAND ROVER models592th of 630(top 94%)

vs national average-6%(82% avg)

vs 1998 cars average+1%(75% avg)

vs LAND ROVER average-14%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

136,993

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER has 136,993 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1998 sits between the two at 76%.

LAND ROVER DEFENDER by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	97%	180	42,929 mi
2020	97%	156	35,400 mi
2016	91%	3,316	35,776 mi
2015	89%	12,411	48,785 mi
2014	87%	10,525	59,995 mi
2013	84%	8,186	66,606 mi
2012	83%	7,139	71,959 mi
2011	81%	7,345	82,891 mi
2010	80%	7,290	85,020 mi
2009	79%	6,584	90,754 mi
2008	81%	7,024	98,525 mi
2007	79%	7,656	101,926 mi
2006	78%	6,868	109,686 mi
2005	77%	7,581	112,742 mi
2004	77%	7,976	120,020 mi
2003	77%	8,035	129,000 mi
2002	77%	6,870	132,092 mi
2001	75%	5,673	131,257 mi
2000	75%	5,304	134,243 mi
1999	75%	8,887	140,417 mi
1998	76%	10,516	136,993 mi
1997	76%	10,084	146,489 mi
1996	74%	10,767	153,542 mi
1995	74%	9,229	143,046 mi
1994	74%	7,092	141,555 mi
1993	76%	5,910	137,101 mi
1992	74%	4,530	143,915 mi
1991	76%	5,265	141,354 mi
1990	75%	5,027	142,154 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

PORSCHE 911

2000 · 3400cc Petrol

£2,247/year

86%

+10%

JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED A

1998 · 3960cc Petrol

£2,397/year

76%

same

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About the 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER

The 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER is a performance with a 3528cc petrol engine. 10,516 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 136,993 miles at 28 years old, LAND ROVER DEFENDER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER Fuel Costs

The 3528cc 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 LAND ROVER DEFENDER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

LAND ROVER DEFENDER Reliability Trend

Newer LAND ROVER DEFENDERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER

At 28 years old, the LAND ROVER DEFENDER 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. With 10,516 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 137k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 LAND ROVER DEFENDER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
LAND ROVER DEFENDER(1998)	76%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2907
PORSCHE 911(2000)	86%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£660
JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED A(1998)	76%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£510

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.