SUZUKI VITARA (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 554 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
554
Avg Mileage
96,676 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1998 SUZUKI VITARA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 71% of SUZUKI VITARAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 554 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 96,676 miles.
How does the 1998 SUZUKI VITARA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 SUZUKI VITARA has 96,676 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a SUZUKI VITARA?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1998 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1998 SUZUKI VITARA 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 VITARA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 100% | 72 | 22,420 mi |
| 2020 | 95% | 4,235 | 27,215 mi |
| 2019 | 93% | 20,279 | 34,769 mi |
| 2018 | 91% | 19,013 | 43,397 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 18,219 | 52,028 mi |
| 2016 | 89% | 17,560 | 60,293 mi |
| 2015 | 87% | 8,946 | 67,238 mi |
| 2012 | 81% | 48 | 79,931 mi |
| 2011 | 69% | 96 | 79,926 mi |
| 2010 | 81% | 37 | 73,858 mi |
| 2009 | 78% | 93 | 90,408 mi |
| 2008 | 76% | 131 | 99,249 mi |
| 2007 | 73% | 79 | 86,898 mi |
| 2006 | 71% | 48 | 100,718 mi |
| 2005 | 67% | 165 | 105,427 mi |
| 2004 | 72% | 153 | 104,538 mi |
| 2003 | 66% | 122 | 97,237 mi |
| 2002 | 68% | 156 | 104,850 mi |
| 2001 | 67% | 123 | 99,320 mi |
| 2000 | 63% | 198 | 81,169 mi |
| 1999 | 67% | 629 | 87,489 mi |
| 1998 | 71% | 554 | 96,676 mi |
| 1997 | 77% | 256 | 78,489 mi |
| 1996 | 75% | 333 | 91,162 mi |
| 1995 | 71% | 388 | 87,987 mi |
| 1994 | 73% | 316 | 70,294 mi |
| 1993 | 69% | 153 | 49,039 mi |
| 1992 | 80% | 132 | 52,908 mi |
| 1991 | 75% | 72 | 59,290 mi |
Checking a specific SUZUKI VITARA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 SUZUKI VITARA
The 1998 SUZUKI VITARA is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 554 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 96,676 miles at 26 years old, SUZUKI VITARA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 SUZUKI VITARA Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 VITARA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUZUKI VITARA Reliability Trend
Newer SUZUKI VITARAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 SUZUKI VITARA
At 26 years old, the SUZUKI 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Alternatives to the 1998 SUZUKI VITARA
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-4%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+2%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (same) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+7%) from 7,815 tests