RENAULT TRAFIC (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 129 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,857
£155/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1870cc Diesel
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1870cc
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 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 28 years old, 72% of RENAULT TRAFICs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 129 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,790 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
72,790
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 RENAULT TRAFIC has 72,790 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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2002 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1991 model has the lowest at 59%. The 1998 sits between the two at 72%.
RENAULT TRAFIC by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 95% | 41 | 45,342 mi | |
| 2020 | 82% | 201 | 70,208 mi | |
| 2019 | 81% | 12,056 | 70,463 mi | |
| 2018 | 79% | 13,004 | 83,333 mi | |
| 2017 | 77% | 17,196 | 93,614 mi | |
| 2016 | 75% | 23,776 | 101,544 mi | |
| 2015 | 74% | 21,250 | 109,947 mi | |
| 2014 | 72% | 13,474 | 120,058 mi | |
| 2013 | 71% | 8,542 | 133,819 mi | |
| 2012 | 70% | 9,250 | 140,116 mi | |
| 2011 | 68% | 12,762 | 142,106 mi | |
| 2010 | 69% | 11,152 | 150,690 mi | |
| 2009 | 69% | 6,575 | 150,068 mi | |
| 2008 | 68% | 9,061 | 151,542 mi | |
| 2007 | 69% | 9,074 | 154,963 mi | |
| 2006 | 68% | 8,146 | 156,522 mi | |
| 2005 | 68% | 6,057 | 156,799 mi | |
| 2004 | 67% | 4,893 | 156,061 mi | |
| 2003 | 68% | 3,079 | 152,990 mi | |
| 2002 | 94% | 5,279 | 123,882 mi | |
| 2001 | 72% | 107 | 150,406 mi | |
| 1999 | 56% | 45 | 86,501 mi | |
| 1998 | 72% | 129 | 72,790 mi | |
| 1997 | 68% | 383 | 76,233 mi | |
| 1996 | 71% | 559 | 76,673 mi | |
| 1995 | 70% | 512 | 83,515 mi | |
| 1994 | 65% | 533 | 80,976 mi | |
| 1993 | 64% | 592 | 79,986 mi | |
| 1992 | 63% | 694 | 88,962 mi | |
| 1991 | 59% | 499 | 85,068 mi | |
| 1990 | 64% | 504 | 79,676 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 RENAULT TRAFIC
The 1998 RENAULT TRAFIC is a family car with a 1870cc diesel engine. 129 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 72,790 miles at 28 years old, RENAULT TRAFIC 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 TRAFIC Fuel Costs
The 1870cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1998 RENAULT TRAFIC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
RENAULT TRAFIC Reliability Trend
Newer RENAULT TRAFICs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 RENAULT TRAFIC
At 28 years old, the RENAULT TRAFIC 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 2002 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 RENAULT TRAFIC's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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.
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 TRAFIC stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENAULT TRAFIC(1998) | 72% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1857 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2000) | 77% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£130 |
| FIAT DUCATO(1999) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£130 |
| FORD FIESTA(1998) | 65% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1927+£70 |
| MERCEDES C(1997) | 81% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £1900+£43 |
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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