RENAULT MEGANE (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 246 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests (2024)
246
Avg Mileage
78,962 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,722
Is the 1998 RENAULT MEGANE reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 26 years old, 73% of RENAULT MEGANEs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 246 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 78,962 miles.
How does the 1998 RENAULT MEGANE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 RENAULT MEGANE has 78,962 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 RENAULT MEGANE?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1998 sits between the two at 73%.
How much does a 1998 RENAULT MEGANE 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.
RENAULT MEGANE by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 86% | 36 | 48,492 mi |
| 2021 | 87% | 1,286 | 32,847 mi |
| 2020 | 88% | 2,526 | 39,612 mi |
| 2019 | 87% | 4,883 | 42,735 mi |
| 2018 | 86% | 3,613 | 50,742 mi |
| 2017 | 83% | 8,849 | 61,637 mi |
| 2016 | 80% | 8,941 | 68,131 mi |
| 2015 | 76% | 12,406 | 81,732 mi |
| 2014 | 71% | 13,728 | 89,656 mi |
| 2013 | 71% | 14,134 | 94,541 mi |
| 2012 | 71% | 17,649 | 100,114 mi |
| 2011 | 70% | 25,760 | 102,094 mi |
| 2010 | 69% | 31,167 | 106,119 mi |
| 2009 | 71% | 19,161 | 108,465 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 11,102 | 102,196 mi |
| 2007 | 68% | 12,029 | 99,693 mi |
| 2006 | 67% | 6,822 | 100,922 mi |
| 2005 | 67% | 4,212 | 97,221 mi |
| 2004 | 66% | 2,138 | 100,225 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 1,476 | 97,801 mi |
| 2002 | 71% | 2,646 | 94,998 mi |
| 2001 | 73% | 1,731 | 95,603 mi |
| 2000 | 71% | 726 | 92,251 mi |
| 1999 | 74% | 390 | 80,794 mi |
| 1998 | 73% | 246 | 78,962 mi |
| 1997 | 76% | 153 | 82,236 mi |
| 1996 | 85% | 34 | 58,237 mi |
Checking a specific RENAULT MEGANE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 RENAULT MEGANE
The 1998 RENAULT MEGANE is a small family car with a 1390cc petrol engine. 246 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 78,962 miles at 26 years old, RENAULT MEGANE 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 RENAULT MEGANE Fuel Costs
The 1390cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 RENAULT MEGANE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,722 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
RENAULT MEGANE Reliability Trend
Newer RENAULT MEGANEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 RENAULT MEGANE
At 26 years old, the RENAULT MEGANE 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
Alternatives to the 1998 RENAULT MEGANE
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (same) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-2%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+16%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-3%) from 6,792 tests