TOYOTA CELICA (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,415 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
1,415
Avg Mileage
124,348 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1998 TOYOTA CELICA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 26 years old, 71% of TOYOTA CELICAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,415 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 124,348 miles.
How does the 1998 TOYOTA CELICA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 TOYOTA CELICA has 124,348 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 TOYOTA CELICA?
The most reliable year is the 2008 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1998 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1998 TOYOTA CELICA 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.
TOYOTA CELICA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 88% | 57 | 119,491 mi |
| 2007 | 73% | 137 | 131,245 mi |
| 2006 | 75% | 1,775 | 105,306 mi |
| 2005 | 73% | 2,404 | 115,012 mi |
| 2004 | 72% | 2,740 | 116,055 mi |
| 2003 | 72% | 2,488 | 118,340 mi |
| 2002 | 74% | 1,861 | 118,564 mi |
| 2001 | 74% | 1,589 | 119,894 mi |
| 2000 | 71% | 916 | 117,266 mi |
| 1999 | 72% | 894 | 121,784 mi |
| 1998 | 71% | 1,415 | 124,348 mi |
| 1997 | 68% | 1,002 | 133,345 mi |
| 1996 | 73% | 902 | 127,103 mi |
| 1995 | 77% | 370 | 123,514 mi |
| 1994 | 73% | 360 | 123,787 mi |
| 1993 | 74% | 148 | 126,173 mi |
| 1992 | 72% | 169 | 116,058 mi |
| 1991 | 70% | 182 | 122,842 mi |
| 1990 | 75% | 187 | 118,452 mi |
Checking a specific TOYOTA CELICA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 TOYOTA CELICA
The 1998 TOYOTA CELICA is a family car with a 1990cc petrol engine. 1,415 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight 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 124,348 miles at 26 years old, TOYOTA CELICA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 TOYOTA CELICA Fuel Costs
The 1990cc 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 TOYOTA CELICA?
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.
TOYOTA CELICA Reliability Trend
The TOYOTA CELICA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 TOYOTA CELICA
At 26 years old, the TOYOTA CELICA 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 2008 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
Alternatives to the 1998 TOYOTA CELICA
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 (1998) 79% pass rate (+8%) from 6,287 tests