SUZUKI JIMNY (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 249 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
249
Avg Mileage
86,950 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,722
Is the 1998 SUZUKI JIMNY reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 72% of SUZUKI JIMNYs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 249 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,950 miles.
How does the 1998 SUZUKI JIMNY compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 SUZUKI JIMNY has 86,950 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a SUZUKI JIMNY?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1998 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 1998 SUZUKI JIMNY cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SUZUKI JIMNY by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 93% | 61 | 2,882 mi |
| 2021 | 92% | 37 | 22,760 mi |
| 2020 | 95% | 1,447 | 21,916 mi |
| 2019 | 95% | 2,046 | 27,369 mi |
| 2018 | 86% | 832 | 29,945 mi |
| 2017 | 87% | 1,587 | 31,687 mi |
| 2016 | 87% | 1,627 | 38,681 mi |
| 2015 | 83% | 1,661 | 44,085 mi |
| 2014 | 84% | 1,396 | 47,704 mi |
| 2013 | 83% | 1,621 | 54,678 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 1,695 | 58,922 mi |
| 2011 | 79% | 1,339 | 62,289 mi |
| 2010 | 79% | 1,249 | 67,375 mi |
| 2009 | 80% | 1,485 | 71,005 mi |
| 2008 | 76% | 2,167 | 76,833 mi |
| 2007 | 75% | 3,155 | 81,208 mi |
| 2006 | 73% | 3,044 | 83,462 mi |
| 2005 | 73% | 3,185 | 84,867 mi |
| 2004 | 70% | 3,683 | 86,932 mi |
| 2003 | 74% | 3,098 | 91,083 mi |
| 2002 | 73% | 2,396 | 93,267 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 1,524 | 88,613 mi |
| 2000 | 71% | 1,211 | 87,550 mi |
| 1999 | 67% | 984 | 89,081 mi |
| 1998 | 72% | 249 | 86,950 mi |
Checking a specific SUZUKI JIMNY?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 SUZUKI JIMNY
The 1998 SUZUKI JIMNY is a small family car with a 1298cc petrol engine. 249 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 86,950 miles at 26 years old, SUZUKI JIMNY 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 SUZUKI JIMNY Fuel Costs
The 1298cc 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 SUZUKI JIMNY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,722 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUZUKI JIMNY Reliability Trend
Newer SUZUKI JIMNYs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 SUZUKI JIMNY
At 26 years old, the SUZUKI JIMNY 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Alternatives to the 1998 SUZUKI JIMNY
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+1%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+17%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-2%) from 6,792 tests