Subaru Justy (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 41 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,883

£157/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1295cc Petrol

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £1,883/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Petrol1295cc28 years old41 tests48k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1295cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,883

Per month£157/mo

Per week£36/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

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Subaru brand average of 83%.

90% of MOT tests on Subaru Justys from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 41 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 48,084 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models34th of 325(top 11%)

Rank among Subaru models58th of 184(top half)

vs average of all models+8%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+15%(75% avg)

vs Subaru average+7%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

48,084

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Subaru Justy had 48,084 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2008 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1998 scores 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Subaru Justy by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2010	71%	94	70,395 mi
2009	74%	428	72,378 mi
2008	78%	424	73,986 mi
2007	63%	83	79,264 mi
1998	90%	41	48,084 mi
1997	68%	38	57,375 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-17%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-19%

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

-1%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-20%

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About the 1998 Subaru Justy

The 1998 Subaru Justy is a small family car. Our records list a 1295cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 41 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 48,084 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 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 Subaru Justy?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,883 (£157/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 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.

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

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.

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 Subaru Justy 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
Subaru Justy(1998)	90%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£1,883
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£445
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£678
Vauxhall Corsa(1999)	89%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810-£73
Nissan Micra(1999)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£300

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 Subaru Justy

Is the 1998 Subaru Justy reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 1998 Subaru Justys ended in a pass, from 41 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Subaru Justy cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,883 a year (£157 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Subaru Justy?

90% of 41 MOT tests on the 1998 Subaru Justy ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 34th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 11%).

Which year Subaru Justy has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2008 Subaru Justy has the highest MOT pass rate at 78% and the 2009 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Subaru Justy?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Subaru Justy is 48,084 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.