Skoda Felicia (1998)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 564 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,183
£182/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£230
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1289cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £2,183/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Skoda brand average of 88%.
72% of MOT tests on Skoda Felicias from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 564 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 72,040 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
72,040
Average miles
192,400
Expected for age
The average 1998 Skoda Felicia had 72,040 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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Skoda Felicia by Year
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About the 1998 Skoda Felicia
The 1998 Skoda Felicia is a small family car. Our records list a 1289cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 564 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 72,040 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Skoda Felicia 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 Skoda Felicia Fuel Costs
The 1289cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 Skoda Felicia?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,183 (£182/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 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.
Skoda Felicia Reliability Trend
The Skoda Felicia has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Buying a Used 1998 Skoda Felicia
At 28 years old, the Skoda Felicia 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.
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.
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 Skoda Felicia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Felicia(1998) | 72% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,183 |
| Mazda MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,328+£145 |
| Volkswagen Golf(1999) | 71% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561+£378 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(1999) | 89% | £1,175 | £230 | Grp 5-15 | £1,810-£373 |
| Nissan Micra(1999) | 70% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,183same |
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 Skoda Felicia
Is the 1998 Skoda Felicia reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1998 Skoda Felicias ended in a pass, from 564 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1998 Skoda Felicia cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,183 a year (£182 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 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 Skoda Felicia?
72% of 564 MOT tests on the 1998 Skoda Felicia ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 201st of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).
Which year Skoda Felicia has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Skoda Felicia has the highest MOT pass rate at 72% and the 1997 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1998 Skoda Felicia?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Skoda Felicia is 72,040 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.
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