VAUXHALL MONTEREY (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 166 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,735
£228/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£735
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3095cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2735/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 3095cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 28 years old, 65% of VAUXHALL MONTEREYs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 166 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 161,177 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
161,177
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 VAUXHALL MONTEREY has 161,177 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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VAUXHALL MONTEREY by Year
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About the 1998 VAUXHALL MONTEREY
The 1998 VAUXHALL MONTEREY is a performance with a 3095cc diesel engine. 166 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 92% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 161,177 miles at 28 years old, VAUXHALL MONTEREY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 VAUXHALL MONTEREY Fuel Costs
The 3095cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 VAUXHALL MONTEREY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,735 (£228/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VAUXHALL MONTEREY Reliability Trend
The VAUXHALL MONTEREY has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 VAUXHALL MONTEREY
At 28 years old, the VAUXHALL MONTEREY 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 VAUXHALL MONTEREY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 161k 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 VAUXHALL MONTEREY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL MONTEREY(1998) | 65% | £1245 | £735 | Grp 35-50 | £2735 |
| TOYOTA LAND CRUISER(1999) | 77% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050-£685 |
| MITSUBISHI SHOGUN(1999) | 77% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050-£685 |
| DAIHATSU FOURTRAK(1998) | 71% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050-£685 |
| TOYOTA LANDCRUISER(1998) | 71% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050-£685 |
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.
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