MITSUBISHI LANCER (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 197 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Total Tests (2024)
197
Avg Mileage
80,685 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,717
Is the 1998 MITSUBISHI LANCER reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 26 years old, 95% of MITSUBISHI LANCERs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 197 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 80,685 miles.
How does the 1998 MITSUBISHI LANCER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MITSUBISHI LANCER has 80,685 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a MITSUBISHI LANCER?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1998 sits between the two at 95%.
How much does a 1998 MITSUBISHI LANCER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MITSUBISHI LANCER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 88% | 50 | 77,941 mi |
| 2019 | 95% | 66 | 97,178 mi |
| 2018 | 92% | 48 | 81,570 mi |
| 2017 | 92% | 89 | 81,385 mi |
| 2016 | 94% | 95 | 81,847 mi |
| 2015 | 91% | 137 | 83,291 mi |
| 2014 | 96% | 50 | 58,111 mi |
| 2012 | 91% | 67 | 60,175 mi |
| 2011 | 73% | 2,326 | 100,912 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 3,172 | 104,196 mi |
| 2009 | 76% | 2,157 | 104,030 mi |
| 2008 | 77% | 2,818 | 98,098 mi |
| 2007 | 75% | 1,541 | 88,265 mi |
| 2006 | 77% | 1,902 | 86,458 mi |
| 2005 | 78% | 1,953 | 87,984 mi |
| 2004 | 92% | 776 | 76,874 mi |
| 2003 | 93% | 562 | 80,312 mi |
| 2002 | 89% | 99 | 81,221 mi |
| 2001 | 89% | 223 | 73,824 mi |
| 2000 | 91% | 246 | 73,093 mi |
| 1999 | 88% | 302 | 73,051 mi |
| 1998 | 95% | 197 | 80,685 mi |
| 1997 | 93% | 42 | 103,606 mi |
| 1996 | 84% | 57 | 92,249 mi |
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI LANCER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 MITSUBISHI LANCER
The 1998 MITSUBISHI LANCER is a family car with a 1997cc petrol engine. 197 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 4% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 80,685 miles at 26 years old, MITSUBISHI LANCER 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 MITSUBISHI LANCER Fuel Costs
The 1997cc 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 LANCER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,717 (£143/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MITSUBISHI LANCER Reliability Trend
The MITSUBISHI LANCER has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 MITSUBISHI LANCER
At 26 years old, the MITSUBISHI LANCER 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Alternatives to the 1998 MITSUBISHI LANCER
The MITSUBISHI LANCER is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-28%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-22%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-24%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (-17%) from 7,815 tests