Suzuki Grand Vitara (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 177 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2493cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol2493cc28 years old177 tests114k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2493cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.

74% of MOT tests on Suzuki Grand Vitaras from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 177 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 114,108 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models167th of 325(bottom half)

Rank among Suzuki models205th of 305(bottom half)

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

vs 1998 models average-1%(75% avg)

vs Suzuki average-8%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

114,108

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara had 114,108 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 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1998 scores 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+3%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+4%

Mercedes SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+5%

Porsche Boxster

2000 · 2700cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

+8%

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About the 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara

The 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a large car. Our records list a 2493cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 177 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 114,108 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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 risk

Larger 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 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 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 risk

High-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 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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
Suzuki Grand Vitara(1998)	74%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Mercedes SLK(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Porsche Boxster(2000)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150

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 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Is the 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitaras ended in a pass, from 177 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

74% of 177 MOT tests on the 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 167th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).

Which year Suzuki Grand Vitara has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Suzuki Grand Vitara has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2003 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara is 114,108 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.