Mitsubishi Fto (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 46 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1999cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Mitsubishi Fto

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol1999cc28 years old46 tests116k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1999cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

78% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Ftos from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 46 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 115,634 miles.

Got a Mitsubishi Fto you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models119th of 325(top half)

Rank among Mitsubishi models203rd of 390(bottom half)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

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

vs Mitsubishi average-2%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

115,634

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Mitsubishi Fto had 115,634 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.

Looking at a specific Mitsubishi Fto?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Mitsubishi Fto by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2007	65%	49	122,203 mi
2006	65%	57	110,462 mi
2005	71%	45	120,432 mi
2004	67%	66	108,316 mi
2003	62%	66	104,337 mi
2002	62%	45	127,289 mi
2001	76%	54	119,943 mi
2000	71%	176	118,965 mi
1999	58%	84	96,915 mi
1998	78%	46	115,634 mi
1997	38%	32	101,476 mi
1995	70%	53	154,478 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-5%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-7%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

same

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-3%

Check a Specific Mitsubishi Fto

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1998 Mitsubishi Fto

The 1998 Mitsubishi Fto is a family car. Our records list a 1999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 46 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 115,634 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Fto owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Mitsubishi Fto Fuel Costs

The 1999cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 Mitsubishi Fto?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1998 Mitsubishi Fto

At 28 years old, the Mitsubishi Fto 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. Note: with only 46 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.

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 116k 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 Mitsubishi Fto 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
Mitsubishi Fto(1998)	78%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

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 Mitsubishi Fto

Is the 1998 Mitsubishi Fto reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 1998 Mitsubishi Ftos ended in a pass, from 46 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Mitsubishi Fto cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 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 Mitsubishi Fto?

78% of 46 MOT tests on the 1998 Mitsubishi Fto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 119th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Mitsubishi Fto?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Mitsubishi Fto is 115,634 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.