Suzuki Vitara (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 554 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc28 years old554 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.

71% of MOT tests on Suzuki Vitaras from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 554 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 96,676 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models235th of 325(bottom half)

Rank among Suzuki models245th of 305(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-4%(75% avg)

vs Suzuki average-11%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

96,676

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Suzuki Vitara had 96,676 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 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1998 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+2%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

same

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+7%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+4%

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About the 1998 Suzuki Vitara

The 1998 Suzuki Vitara is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 554 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 96,676 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 Vitara?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Suzuki Vitara

At 28 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.

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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 97k 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 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 Vitara(1998)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

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 Vitara

Is the 1998 Suzuki Vitara reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 1998 Suzuki Vitaras ended in a pass, from 554 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Suzuki Vitara cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 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 Vitara?

71% of 554 MOT tests on the 1998 Suzuki Vitara ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 235th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).

Which year Suzuki Vitara has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Suzuki Vitara has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2000 the lowest at 63%. 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 Vitara?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Suzuki Vitara is 96,676 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.