MERCEDES VITO (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 494 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
494
Avg Mileage
110,818 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1998 MERCEDES VITO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 26 years old, 66% of MERCEDES VITOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 494 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,818 miles.
How does the 1998 MERCEDES VITO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MERCEDES VITO has 110,818 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 MERCEDES VITO?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1998 sits between the two at 66%.
How much does a 1998 MERCEDES VITO 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.
MERCEDES VITO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 100% | 30 | 8,898 mi |
| 2023 | 90% | 138 | 34,230 mi |
| 2022 | 91% | 501 | 59,717 mi |
| 2021 | 88% | 4,675 | 62,567 mi |
| 2020 | 85% | 5,461 | 69,552 mi |
| 2019 | 84% | 15,564 | 94,618 mi |
| 2018 | 85% | 11,705 | 105,200 mi |
| 2017 | 83% | 16,514 | 128,006 mi |
| 2016 | 81% | 12,065 | 130,835 mi |
| 2015 | 80% | 9,882 | 140,680 mi |
| 2014 | 79% | 9,119 | 154,008 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 9,645 | 167,479 mi |
| 2012 | 77% | 8,730 | 168,448 mi |
| 2011 | 76% | 6,819 | 168,028 mi |
| 2010 | 76% | 8,085 | 177,934 mi |
| 2009 | 75% | 7,897 | 177,659 mi |
| 2008 | 74% | 8,480 | 172,432 mi |
| 2007 | 74% | 8,446 | 172,589 mi |
| 2006 | 73% | 7,080 | 171,206 mi |
| 2005 | 69% | 3,857 | 154,561 mi |
| 2004 | 68% | 1,698 | 143,135 mi |
| 2003 | 69% | 885 | 126,821 mi |
| 2002 | 67% | 740 | 136,829 mi |
| 2001 | 67% | 452 | 123,331 mi |
| 2000 | 70% | 253 | 116,943 mi |
| 1999 | 67% | 401 | 118,559 mi |
| 1998 | 66% | 494 | 110,818 mi |
| 1997 | 66% | 203 | 105,658 mi |
Checking a specific MERCEDES VITO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 MERCEDES VITO
The 1998 MERCEDES VITO is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 494 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 89% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 110,818 miles at 26 years old, MERCEDES VITO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 MERCEDES VITO Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 MERCEDES VITO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MERCEDES VITO Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES VITOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 MERCEDES VITO
At 26 years old, the MERCEDES VITO 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
Alternatives to the 1998 MERCEDES VITO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (+1%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+7%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+5%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+12%) from 7,815 tests