Vauxhall Omega (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 106 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2498cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol2498cc28 years old106 tests87k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2498cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

75% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Omegas from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 106 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 87,253 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models157th of 325(top half)

Rank among Vauxhall models671st of 870(bottom 23%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+0%(75% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-9%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

87,253

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Vauxhall Omega had 87,253 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2001 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1998 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Omega by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	81%	31	89,855 mi
2003	74%	589	102,174 mi
2002	70%	542	105,559 mi
2001	79%	387	102,349 mi
2000	72%	204	107,640 mi
1999	79%	164	93,732 mi
1998	75%	106	87,253 mi
1997	86%	69	88,747 mi
1996	74%	91	88,398 mi
1995	52%	54	127,436 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+2%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+3%

Mercedes SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+4%

Porsche Boxster

2000 · 2700cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

+7%

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About the 1998 Vauxhall Omega

The 1998 Vauxhall Omega is a large car. Our records list a 2498cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 106 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 87,253 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Omega owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1998 Vauxhall Omega Fuel Costs

The 2498cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 Vauxhall Omega?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Vauxhall Omega Reliability Trend

The Vauxhall Omega has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 1998 Vauxhall Omega

At 28 years old, the Vauxhall Omega 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 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 79%.

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.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 87k 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.

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 Vauxhall Omega 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
Vauxhall Omega(1998)	75%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Mercedes SLK(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Porsche Boxster(2000)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150

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 Vauxhall Omega

Is the 1998 Vauxhall Omega reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1998 Vauxhall Omegas ended in a pass, from 106 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Vauxhall Omega cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 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 Vauxhall Omega?

75% of 106 MOT tests on the 1998 Vauxhall Omega ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 157th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

Which year Vauxhall Omega has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2001 Vauxhall Omega has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 2002 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Vauxhall Omega?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Vauxhall Omega is 87,253 miles, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.