Mazda B Series (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 100 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,328

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1600cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,328/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol1600cc28 years old100 tests108k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1600cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,328

Per month£194/mo

Per week£45/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

73% of MOT tests on Mazda B Seriess from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 100 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 108,386 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models187th of 325(bottom half)

Rank among Mazda models342nd of 459(bottom half)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-2%(75% avg)

vs Mazda average-8%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,386

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Mazda B Series had 108,386 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2001 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1998 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mazda B Series by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	73%	244	115,029 mi
2005	72%	595	110,924 mi
2004	70%	304	117,876 mi
2003	72%	399	122,590 mi
2002	72%	421	125,247 mi
2001	76%	192	127,878 mi
2000	71%	286	133,062 mi
1999	71%	279	126,167 mi
1998	73%	100	108,386 mi
1995	78%	32	104,863 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

same

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-2%

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

+16%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-3%

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About the 1998 Mazda B Series

The 1998 Mazda B Series is a small family car. Our records list a 1600cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 100 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 108,386 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda B Series owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Mazda B Series Fuel Costs

The 1600cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 Mazda B Series?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,328 (£194/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mazda B Series Reliability Trend

The Mazda B Series has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 1998 Mazda B Series

At 28 years old, the Mazda B Series 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 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.

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.

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 108k 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 Mazda B Series 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
Mazda B Series(1998)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328same
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£233
Vauxhall Corsa(1999)	89%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810-£518
Nissan Micra(1999)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183-£145

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 Mazda B Series

Is the 1998 Mazda B Series reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 1998 Mazda B Seriess ended in a pass, from 100 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Mazda B Series cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,328 a year (£194 a month): £1,398 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 Mazda B Series?

73% of 100 MOT tests on the 1998 Mazda B Series ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 187th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).

Which year Mazda B Series has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2001 Mazda B Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 76% and the 2004 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Mazda B Series?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Mazda B Series is 108,386 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.