How much does a 1998 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED?

The 1998 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED has a 69% MOT pass rate based on 90 tests in 2026. This ranks 281 out of 340 cars from 1998.

Which year MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED is most reliable?

The 1996 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED has the highest MOT pass rate at 81%. The least reliable year is 2007 at 60%.

MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED (1998)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1998 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED?

The average mileage for a 1998 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED is 124,592 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 90 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,397

£200/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1800cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Petrol1800cc28 years old90 tests125k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1800cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1800cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,397

Per month£200/mo

Per week£46/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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.

At 28 years old, 69% of MAZDA UNCLASSIFIEDs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 90 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 124,592 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 cars281th of 340(top 83%)

Rank among MAZDA models405th of 483(top 84%)

vs national average-13%(82% avg)

vs 1998 cars average-6%(75% avg)

vs MAZDA average-12%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

124,592

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1998 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED has 124,592 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 1996 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 60%. The 1998 sits between the two at 69%.

MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	91%	43	75,657 mi
2017	79%	68	96,220 mi
2016	74%	82	102,711 mi
2015	77%	74	96,497 mi
2014	66%	95	130,899 mi
2013	66%	50	136,777 mi
2012	77%	81	102,902 mi
2011	65%	98	130,473 mi
2010	73%	132	134,498 mi
2009	61%	102	158,332 mi
2008	64%	110	136,686 mi
2007	60%	129	140,498 mi
2006	66%	128	144,369 mi
2005	63%	141	133,297 mi
2004	65%	126	142,876 mi
2003	80%	130	121,502 mi
2002	69%	105	123,795 mi
2001	67%	70	119,895 mi
2000	70%	131	118,259 mi
1999	69%	58	115,948 mi
1998	69%	90	124,592 mi
1997	69%	71	128,169 mi
1996	81%	58	133,838 mi
1995	68%	59	135,637 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MAZDA MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

+4%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,017/year

71%

+2%

BMW 3 SERIES

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,017/year

79%

+10%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,017/year

75%

+6%

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About the 1998 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED

The 1998 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED is a family car with a 1800cc petrol engine. 90 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 124,592 miles at 28 years old, MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs

The 1800cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 UNCLASSIFIED?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED Reliability Trend

The MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1998 MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED

At 28 years old, the MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 81%. Note: with only 90 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

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

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 125k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% 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 UNCLASSIFIED stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MAZDA UNCLASSIFIED(1998)	69%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2397
MAZDA MX-5(1999)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£570
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999)	71%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£380
BMW 3 SERIES(1998)	79%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£380
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£380

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.