Toyota Hi-Ace (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 989 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,606

£217/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2494cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,606/year to run. 11 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Toyota Hi-Ace

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel2494cc28 years old989 tests152k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2494cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,606

Per month£217/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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 Toyota brand average of 84%.

71% of MOT tests on Toyota Hi-Aces from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 989 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 151,794 miles.

Got a Toyota Hi-Ace you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models229th of 325(bottom half)

Rank among Toyota models896th of 970(bottom 8%)

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

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

vs Toyota average-13%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

151,794

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace had 151,794 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.

Looking at a specific Toyota Hi-Ace?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1998 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Hi-Ace by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	75%	71	108,244 mi
2015	74%	47	109,607 mi
2013	74%	38	133,584 mi
2012	82%	124	123,537 mi
2011	82%	600	133,326 mi
2010	80%	1,084	147,174 mi
2009	81%	1,149	142,811 mi
2008	80%	2,117	149,021 mi
2007	79%	2,214	152,836 mi
2006	77%	866	154,944 mi
2005	74%	629	158,616 mi
2004	75%	535	149,924 mi
2003	74%	544	155,086 mi
2002	75%	331	146,343 mi
2001	74%	464	147,277 mi
2000	71%	436	143,204 mi
1999	73%	909	145,495 mi
1998	71%	989	151,794 mi
1997	75%	465	157,540 mi
1996	76%	288	148,552 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

1999 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,606/year

70%

-1%

Ford Transit

1998 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,606/year

72%

+1%

Fiat Ducato

2000 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

73%

+2%

Check a Specific Toyota Hi-Ace

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace

The 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace is a van. Our records list a 2494cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 989 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 151,794 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Hi-Ace owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Toyota Hi-Ace Fuel Costs

The 2494cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,606 (£217/month), broken down as £1,676 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.

Toyota Hi-Ace Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Hi-Aces pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace

At 28 years old, the Toyota Hi-Ace 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 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 82%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 152k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 Toyota Hi-Ace 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
Toyota Hi-Ace(1998)	71%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606
Volkswagen Transporter(1999)	70%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606same
Ford Transit(1998)	72%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606same
Fiat Ducato(2000)	73%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606same

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 Toyota Hi-Ace

Is the 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 1998 Toyota Hi-Aces ended in a pass, from 989 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 Toyota Hi-Ace cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,606 a year (£217 a month): £1,676 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 Toyota Hi-Ace?

71% of 989 MOT tests on the 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 229th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).

Which year Toyota Hi-Ace has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 Toyota Hi-Ace has the highest MOT pass rate at 82% and the 2000 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace is 151,794 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.