CarCostCheck

RENAULT SAFRANE (1998)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 44 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1948cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1948cc28 years old44 tests92k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1948cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327
Road Tax

Based on 1948cc

£315
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,197
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.

At 28 years old, 70% of RENAULT SAFRANEs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 44 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,038 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 cars270th of 340(top 79%)
Rank among RENAULT models492th of 636(top 77%)
vs national average-12%(82% avg)
vs 1998 cars average-5%(75% avg)
vs RENAULT average-10%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,038

Average miles

vs

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1998 RENAULT SAFRANE has 92,038 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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RENAULT SAFRANE by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
199959%44152,299 mi
199870%4492,038 mi

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About the 1998 RENAULT SAFRANE

The 1998 RENAULT SAFRANE is a family car with a 1948cc petrol engine. 44 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 79% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 92,038 miles at 28 years old, RENAULT SAFRANE 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 SAFRANE Fuel Costs

The 1948cc 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 RENAULT SAFRANE?

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 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1998 RENAULT SAFRANE

At 28 years old, the RENAULT SAFRANE 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 44 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1998 RENAULT SAFRANE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 92k 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 RENAULT SAFRANE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
RENAULT SAFRANE(1998)70%£1327£315Grp 18-32£2197
MAZDA MX-5(1999)73%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£370
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999)71%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2017-£180
BMW 3 SERIES(1998)79%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2017-£180
BMW Z3(1997)75%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2017-£180

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.

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Explore other Renault cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

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