SUBARU JUSTY (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 41 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,587
£132/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1295cc Petrol
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £1587/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1295cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 28 years old, 90% of SUBARU JUSTYs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 41 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 48,084 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
48,084
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 SUBARU JUSTY has 48,084 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 2008 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1998 sits between the two at 90%.
SUBARU JUSTY by Year
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About the 1998 SUBARU JUSTY
The 1998 SUBARU JUSTY is a small family car with a 1295cc petrol engine. 41 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 48,084 miles at 28 years old, SUBARU JUSTY 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 SUBARU JUSTY Fuel Costs
The 1295cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 SUBARU JUSTY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,587 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
SUBARU JUSTY Reliability Trend
The SUBARU JUSTY has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 SUBARU JUSTY
At 28 years old, the SUBARU JUSTY 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 2008 model has the highest pass rate at 78%. Note: with only 41 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 SUBARU JUSTY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 SUBARU JUSTY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU JUSTY(1998) | 90% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1587 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£240 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017+£430 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(1999) | 89% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£197 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1999) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£135 |
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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