MITSUBISHI FTO (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 46 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1999cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2197/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1999cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 78% of MITSUBISHI FTOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 46 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,634 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
115,634
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 MITSUBISHI FTO has 115,634 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 2001 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 58%. The 1998 sits between the two at 78%.
MITSUBISHI FTO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 MITSUBISHI FTO
The 1998 MITSUBISHI FTO is a family car with a 1999cc petrol engine. 46 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 115,634 miles at 28 years old, 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 £1,327 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 MITSUBISHI FTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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.
MITSUBISHI FTO Reliability Trend
The MITSUBISHI FTO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
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. If you're flexible on year, the 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 76%. Note: with only 46 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 MITSUBISHI FTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MITSUBISHI FTO(1998) | 78% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£400 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397+£200 |
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.
Related Mitsubishi Models
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MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
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VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
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MAZDA MX-5
1999 · 1600cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1999 · 1781cc Petrol
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