Mazda E Series (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 49 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,806

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

63%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2184cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

63% pass rate, £2,806/year to run. 19 points below average.

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Diesel2184cc28 years old49 tests114k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2184cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,806

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

63% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 19 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

63% of MOT tests on Mazda E Seriess from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 49 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 114,463 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models311th of 325(bottom 5%)

Rank among Mazda models441st of 459(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-19%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-12%(75% avg)

vs Mazda average-18%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

114,463

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Mazda E Series had 114,463 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 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1998 scores 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mazda E Series by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	76%	51	92,371 mi
2017	77%	227	109,478 mi
2015	70%	341	118,471 mi
2014	74%	86	124,774 mi
2013	69%	71	132,287 mi
2011	57%	37	130,980 mi
2010	76%	33	143,721 mi
2004	79%	92	128,761 mi
2003	75%	36	129,916 mi
2002	72%	116	111,263 mi
2001	69%	159	113,168 mi
2000	69%	163	113,518 mi
1999	75%	84	134,044 mi
1998	63%	49	114,463 mi
1996	69%	42	90,740 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Defender

1997 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

76%

+13%

Land Rover Discovery

1999 · 2487cc Diesel

£2,606/year

75%

+12%

BMW 3 Series

2000 · 1951cc Diesel

£2,327/year

77%

+14%

Ford Fiesta

1998 · 1753cc Diesel

£2,527/year

65%

+2%

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About the 1998 Mazda E Series

The 1998 Mazda E Series is a family car. Our records list a 2184cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 49 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 5% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 114,463 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda E Series owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Mazda E Series Fuel Costs

The 2184cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1998 Mazda E Series?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,806 (£234/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 63% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Mazda E Series Reliability Trend

Newer Mazda E Seriess pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Mazda E Series

At 28 years old, the Mazda E 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 77%. Note: with only 49 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 114k 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 63% 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 Mazda E 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 E Series(1998)	63%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,806
Land Rover Defender(1997)	76%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
Land Rover Discovery(1999)	75%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
BMW 3 Series(2000)	77%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,327-£479
Ford Fiesta(1998)	65%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527-£279

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 E Series

Is the 1998 Mazda E Series reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 63% of MOT tests on 1998 Mazda E Seriess ended in a pass, from 49 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 19 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

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

Our estimate is £2,806 a year (£234 a month): £1,676 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 Mazda E Series?

63% of 49 MOT tests on the 1998 Mazda E Series ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 311th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 5%).

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

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Mazda E Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 2001 the lowest at 69%. 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 E Series?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Mazda E Series is 114,463 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.