MAZDA B SERIES (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 100 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests (2024)
100
Avg Mileage
108,386 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 1998 MAZDA B SERIES reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 26 years old, 73% of MAZDA B SERIESs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 100 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,386 miles.
How does the 1998 MAZDA B SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MAZDA B SERIES has 108,386 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a MAZDA B SERIES?
The most reliable year is the 2001 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1998 sits between the two at 73%.
How much does a 1998 MAZDA B SERIES 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.
MAZDA B SERIES by Year
Checking a specific MAZDA B SERIES?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 MAZDA B SERIES
The 1998 MAZDA B SERIES is a small family car with a 1600cc petrol engine. 100 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 108,386 miles at 26 years old, 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 £1,137 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 MAZDA B SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 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 points.
Buying a Used 1998 MAZDA B SERIES
At 26 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%.
Alternatives to the 1998 MAZDA B SERIES
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (same) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-2%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+16%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-3%) from 6,792 tests