SUZUKI GRAND VITARA (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 177 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2493cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2493cc
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 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 74% of SUZUKI GRAND VITARAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 177 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 114,108 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
114,108
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA has 114,108 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1998 sits between the two at 74%.
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 88% | 89 | 56,317 mi | |
| 2014 | 91% | 836 | 59,160 mi | |
| 2013 | 85% | 1,866 | 67,097 mi | |
| 2012 | 83% | 1,883 | 77,126 mi | |
| 2011 | 79% | 2,520 | 83,839 mi | |
| 2010 | 78% | 3,089 | 86,327 mi | |
| 2009 | 77% | 3,356 | 91,512 mi | |
| 2008 | 75% | 3,876 | 96,149 mi | |
| 2007 | 74% | 4,278 | 97,039 mi | |
| 2006 | 70% | 3,554 | 99,563 mi | |
| 2005 | 71% | 3,969 | 99,232 mi | |
| 2004 | 71% | 3,670 | 103,262 mi | |
| 2003 | 70% | 2,449 | 103,895 mi | |
| 2002 | 71% | 1,641 | 102,607 mi | |
| 2001 | 71% | 870 | 100,359 mi | |
| 2000 | 71% | 376 | 97,031 mi | |
| 1999 | 71% | 373 | 106,094 mi | |
| 1998 | 74% | 177 | 114,108 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
The 1998 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA is a large car with a 2493cc petrol engine. 177 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 114,108 miles at 28 years old, SUZUKI GRAND VITARA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA Fuel Costs
The 2493cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA Reliability Trend
Newer SUZUKI GRAND VITARAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
At 28 years old, the SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 28 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 114k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
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 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUZUKI GRAND VITARA(1998) | 74% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2577 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£20 |
| BMW Z3(1998) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£180 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| MERCEDES SLK(1999) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
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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