TOYOTA RAV-4 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 482 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests (2024)
482
Avg Mileage
122,929 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4 reliable?
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 26 years old, 73% of TOYOTA RAV-4s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 482 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 122,929 miles.
How does the 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4 has 122,929 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 RAV-4?
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%.
How much does a 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4 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 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 |
Checking a specific TOYOTA RAV-4?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 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 122,929 miles at 26 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 £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 26 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%.
Alternatives to the 1998 TOYOTA RAV-4
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-6%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (same) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-2%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+5%) from 7,815 tests