Renault Safrane (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 44 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1948cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,561/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

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.

70% of MOT tests on Renault Safranes from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 44 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,038 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models257th of 325(bottom 22%)

Rank among Renault models475th of 615(bottom 23%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-5%(75% avg)

vs Renault average-10%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,038

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Renault Safrane had 92,038 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Renault Safrane by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	59%	44	152,299 mi
1998	70%	44	92,038 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+3%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+1%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+9%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+5%

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About the 1998 Renault Safrane

The 1998 Renault Safrane is a family car. Our records list a 1948cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 44 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 22% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 92,038 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 Renault Safrane?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Renault Safrane(1998)	70%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1998 Renault Safrane

Is the 1998 Renault Safrane reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 1998 Renault Safranes ended in a pass, from 44 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Renault Safrane cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Renault Safrane?

70% of 44 MOT tests on the 1998 Renault Safrane ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 257th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 22%).

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Renault Safrane?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Renault Safrane is 92,038 miles, 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.