Mercedes Hymer (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 40 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,456

£205/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2800cc Diesel

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2,456/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2800cc28 years old40 tests79k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2800cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,456

Per month£205/mo

Per week£47/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

83% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

83% of MOT tests on Mercedes Hymers from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 40 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 78,746 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models67th of 325(top 21%)

Rank among Mercedes models974th of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+8%(75% avg)

vs Mercedes average-4%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

78,746

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Mercedes Hymer had 78,746 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 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1998 scores 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes Hymer by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	96%	84	15,168 mi
2020	97%	114	15,102 mi
2019	93%	131	17,256 mi
2018	93%	124	24,392 mi
2017	93%	115	24,882 mi
2016	93%	56	26,923 mi
2015	100%	32	49,884 mi
2006	84%	44	72,538 mi
2004	81%	37	86,573 mi
2003	90%	49	67,183 mi
2002	82%	44	72,456 mi
2001	78%	45	84,193 mi
1998	83%	40	78,746 mi
1994	73%	45	128,584 mi
1993	70%	104	158,587 mi
1992	74%	34	133,318 mi
1990	71%	35	107,692 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

1999 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,606/year

70%

-13%

Ford Transit

1998 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,606/year

72%

-11%

Fiat Ducato

2000 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

73%

-10%

Toyota Hi-Ace

1998 · 2494cc Diesel

£2,606/year

71%

-12%

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About the 1998 Mercedes Hymer

The 1998 Mercedes Hymer is a motorhome. Our records list a 2800cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 40 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 78,746 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes Hymer 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 Hymer Fuel Costs

The 2800cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 Mercedes Hymer?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,456 (£205/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes Hymer Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes Hymers pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Mercedes Hymer

At 28 years old, the Mercedes Hymer 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. Note: with only 40 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.

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 Hymer 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 Hymer(1998)	83%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,456
Volkswagen Transporter(1999)	70%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606+£150
Ford Transit(1998)	72%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606+£150
Fiat Ducato(2000)	73%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606+£150
Toyota Hi-Ace(1998)	71%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606+£150

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 Hymer

Is the 1998 Mercedes Hymer reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 1998 Mercedes Hymers ended in a pass, from 40 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Mercedes Hymer cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,456 a year (£205 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Mercedes Hymer?

83% of 40 MOT tests on the 1998 Mercedes Hymer ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 67th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 21%).

Which year Mercedes Hymer has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mercedes Hymer has the highest MOT pass rate at 97% and the 1993 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 Mercedes Hymer?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Mercedes Hymer is 78,746 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.