Mercedes A-Class (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 72 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,328

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,328/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1598cc28 years old72 tests86k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

72% of MOT tests on Mercedes A-Classs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 72 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 85,941 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models218th of 325(bottom half)

Rank among Mercedes models1310th of 1,376(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-3%(75% avg)

vs Mercedes average-15%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

85,941

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Mercedes A-Class had 85,941 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1998 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes A-Class by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	95%	204	20,573 mi
2020	92%	296	25,924 mi
2019	90%	17,959	42,922 mi
2018	89%	81,134	48,596 mi
2017	88%	82,055	58,788 mi
2016	86%	78,925	68,387 mi
2015	85%	57,434	77,575 mi
2014	83%	51,817	86,660 mi
2013	83%	34,582	92,179 mi
2012	79%	9,525	74,077 mi
2011	78%	9,398	73,721 mi
2010	76%	11,300	79,296 mi
2009	75%	12,533	84,461 mi
2008	74%	12,272	89,507 mi
2007	74%	11,036	91,201 mi
2006	72%	8,389	91,943 mi
2005	73%	5,552	88,124 mi
2004	71%	2,470	84,566 mi
2003	71%	2,442	81,910 mi
2002	70%	1,766	83,515 mi
2001	72%	1,096	88,180 mi
2000	69%	516	80,481 mi
1999	68%	526	79,332 mi
1998	72%	72	85,941 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+1%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-1%

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

+17%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-2%

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About the 1998 Mercedes A-Class

The 1998 Mercedes A-Class is a premium car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 72 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 85,941 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes A-Class owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1998 Mercedes A-Class Fuel Costs

The 1598cc 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 Mercedes A-Class?

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 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes A-Class Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes A-Classs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Mercedes A-Class

At 28 years old, the Mercedes A-Class 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 95%. Note: with only 72 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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 86k 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 Mercedes A-Class 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
Mercedes A-Class(1998)	72%	£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 Mercedes A-Class

Is the 1998 Mercedes A-Class reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1998 Mercedes A-Classs ended in a pass, from 72 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Mercedes A-Class 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 Mercedes A-Class?

72% of 72 MOT tests on the 1998 Mercedes A-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 218th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).

Which year Mercedes A-Class has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Mercedes A-Class has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1999 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Mercedes A-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Mercedes A-Class is 85,941 miles, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.