How much does a 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4?

The 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4 has a 73% MOT pass rate based on 482 tests in 2026. This ranks 189 out of 340 cars from 1998.

Which year TOYOTA RAV-4 is most reliable?

The 2014 TOYOTA RAV-4 has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%. The least reliable year is 1995 at 63%.

TOYOTA RAV-4 (1998)

Q: Is the 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of TOYOTA RAV-4s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 482 tests. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4?

The average mileage for a 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4 is 122,929 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 482 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc28 years old482 tests123k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.

At 28 years old, 73% of TOYOTA RAV-4s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 482 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 122,929 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 cars189th of 340(top 56%)

Rank among TOYOTA models866th of 996(top 87%)

vs national average-9%(82% avg)

vs 1998 cars average-2%(75% avg)

vs TOYOTA average-11%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

122,929

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4 has 122,929 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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?

The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1998 sits between the two at 73%.

TOYOTA RAV-4 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	87%	2,314	89,044 mi
2013	86%	2,378	89,784 mi
2012	83%	2,968	92,727 mi
2011	81%	5,769	101,091 mi
2010	81%	5,925	108,667 mi
2009	80%	2,815	111,891 mi
2008	75%	2,882	118,412 mi
2007	73%	4,787	124,487 mi
2006	72%	5,749	125,232 mi
2005	76%	5,613	120,527 mi
2004	75%	4,420	119,012 mi
2003	75%	3,314	120,017 mi
2002	74%	2,212	116,302 mi
2001	76%	1,327	120,035 mi
2000	76%	463	112,097 mi
1999	73%	447	124,230 mi
1998	73%	482	122,929 mi
1997	71%	447	121,927 mi
1996	72%	204	122,888 mi
1995	63%	67	126,943 mi
1994	77%	39	129,896 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

1996 · 2490cc Petrol

£2,597/year

67%

-6%

MAZDA MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

same

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,017/year

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-2%

BMW 3 SERIES

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

+5%

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About the 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4

The 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 482 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, 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 122,929 miles at 28 years old, TOYOTA RAV-4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 TOYOTA RAV-4 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 TOYOTA RAV-4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

TOYOTA RAV-4 Reliability Trend

Newer TOYOTA RAV-4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4

At 28 years old, the TOYOTA RAV-4 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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

Watch out

With an average of 123k 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 RAV-4 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
TOYOTA RAV-4(1998)	73%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996)	67%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2597+£400
MAZDA MX-5(1999)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999)	71%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£180
BMW 3 SERIES(1999)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397+£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.