Skoda Octavia (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 106 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,528

£211/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1595cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £2,528/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Petrol1595cc28 years old106 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1595cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,528

Per month£211/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

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Skoda brand average of 88%.

67% of MOT tests on Skoda Octavias from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 106 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 104,028 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models287th of 325(bottom 12%)

Rank among Skoda models325th of 329(bottom 2%)

vs average of all models-15%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-8%(75% avg)

vs Skoda average-21%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

104,028

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Skoda Octavia had 104,028 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 67%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Skoda Octavia by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	85%	324	57,134 mi
2020	91%	13,721	50,514 mi
2019	90%	31,534	61,297 mi
2018	90%	27,159	71,077 mi
2017	88%	29,246	84,339 mi
2016	87%	32,798	97,549 mi
2015	86%	30,840	108,406 mi
2014	85%	28,378	113,965 mi
2013	82%	18,141	120,720 mi
2012	78%	18,753	126,303 mi
2011	77%	19,826	120,414 mi
2010	76%	16,656	130,679 mi
2009	75%	12,158	132,069 mi
2008	73%	10,293	142,833 mi
2007	72%	11,009	144,641 mi
2006	71%	9,468	141,864 mi
2005	71%	5,516	143,706 mi
2004	73%	3,326	147,294 mi
2003	72%	2,670	151,314 mi
2002	73%	1,768	146,396 mi
2001	71%	1,135	143,061 mi
2000	68%	383	146,774 mi
1999	74%	208	138,431 mi
1998	67%	106	104,028 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+6%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+4%

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

+22%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

+3%

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About the 1998 Skoda Octavia

The 1998 Skoda Octavia is a small family car. Our records list a 1595cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 106 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 12% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 104,028 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Skoda Octavia owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Skoda Octavia Fuel Costs

The 1595cc 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 Octavia?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,528 (£211/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Skoda Octavia Reliability Trend

Newer Skoda Octavias pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Skoda Octavia

At 28 years old, the Skoda Octavia 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 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

Watch out

With an average of 104k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 Skoda Octavia 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 Octavia(1998)	67%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,528
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£200
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£33
Vauxhall Corsa(1999)	89%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810-£718
Nissan Micra(1999)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183-£345

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 Octavia

Is the 1998 Skoda Octavia reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 1998 Skoda Octavias ended in a pass, from 106 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Skoda Octavia cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,528 a year (£211 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Skoda Octavia?

67% of 106 MOT tests on the 1998 Skoda Octavia ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 287th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 12%).

Which year Skoda Octavia has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Skoda Octavia has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 1998 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 Octavia?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Skoda Octavia is 104,028 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.