PEUGEOT 406 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 783 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
783
Avg Mileage
126,345 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1998 PEUGEOT 406 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the PEUGEOT brand average of 83%.
At 26 years old, 71% of PEUGEOT 406s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 783 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,345 miles.
How does the 1998 PEUGEOT 406 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 PEUGEOT 406 has 126,345 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 PEUGEOT 406?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1998 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1998 PEUGEOT 406 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.
PEUGEOT 406 by Year
Checking a specific PEUGEOT 406?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 PEUGEOT 406
The 1998 PEUGEOT 406 is a large car with a 2946cc petrol engine. 783 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 126,345 miles at 26 years old, PEUGEOT 406 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 PEUGEOT 406 Fuel Costs
The 2946cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 PEUGEOT 406?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
PEUGEOT 406 Reliability Trend
Older PEUGEOT 406s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1998 PEUGEOT 406
At 26 years old, the PEUGEOT 406 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 77%.
Alternatives to the 1998 PEUGEOT 406
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-4%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (+7%) from 8,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+7%) from 7,815 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2000) 82% pass rate (+11%) from 3,688 tests