TOYOTA RAV4 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,871 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
1,871
Avg Mileage
121,783 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1998 TOYOTA RAV4 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 26 years old, 72% of TOYOTA RAV4s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,871 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 121,783 miles.
How does the 1998 TOYOTA RAV4 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 TOYOTA RAV4 has 121,783 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 RAV4?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1998 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 1998 TOYOTA RAV4 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 RAV4 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 98% | 43 | 20,925 mi |
| 2022 | 96% | 874 | 24,460 mi |
| 2021 | 96% | 17,327 | 28,263 mi |
| 2020 | 95% | 21,063 | 37,470 mi |
| 2019 | 95% | 15,813 | 42,076 mi |
| 2018 | 91% | 12,367 | 47,872 mi |
| 2017 | 89% | 12,682 | 58,953 mi |
| 2016 | 89% | 12,934 | 66,323 mi |
| 2015 | 88% | 8,896 | 76,597 mi |
| 2014 | 87% | 7,762 | 84,598 mi |
| 2013 | 87% | 7,737 | 90,677 mi |
| 2012 | 85% | 2,610 | 90,323 mi |
| 2011 | 85% | 834 | 94,363 mi |
| 2010 | 79% | 910 | 98,211 mi |
| 2009 | 76% | 3,006 | 113,712 mi |
| 2008 | 75% | 6,232 | 117,679 mi |
| 2007 | 74% | 6,284 | 117,871 mi |
| 2006 | 74% | 4,339 | 112,901 mi |
| 2005 | 78% | 5,924 | 112,885 mi |
| 2004 | 76% | 5,895 | 112,590 mi |
| 2003 | 75% | 4,621 | 119,254 mi |
| 2002 | 75% | 3,459 | 123,590 mi |
| 2001 | 74% | 1,839 | 123,791 mi |
| 2000 | 74% | 791 | 119,583 mi |
| 1999 | 74% | 1,509 | 119,127 mi |
| 1998 | 72% | 1,871 | 121,783 mi |
| 1997 | 68% | 939 | 118,557 mi |
| 1996 | 70% | 696 | 116,356 mi |
| 1995 | 72% | 559 | 120,800 mi |
| 1994 | 76% | 103 | 114,912 mi |
Checking a specific TOYOTA RAV4?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 TOYOTA RAV4
The 1998 TOYOTA RAV4 is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 1,871 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 121,783 miles at 26 years old, TOYOTA RAV4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 TOYOTA RAV4 Fuel Costs
The 2000cc 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 RAV4?
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 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TOYOTA RAV4 Reliability Trend
Newer TOYOTA RAV4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 TOYOTA RAV4
At 26 years old, the TOYOTA RAV4 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Alternatives to the 1998 TOYOTA RAV4
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 (-5%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+1%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+6%) from 7,815 tests