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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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1948cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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 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?
Mileage Analysis
92,038
Average miles
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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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 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
Medium riskWith 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 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 RENAULT SAFRANE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENAULT SAFRANE(1998) | 70% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| 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(1998) | 79% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
| BMW Z3(1997) | 75% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 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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