VAUXHALL TIGRA (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 104 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1389cc Petrol
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £1887/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1389cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 28 years old, 79% of VAUXHALL TIGRAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 104 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 58,417 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
58,417
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 VAUXHALL TIGRA has 58,417 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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?
The most reliable year is the 1997 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1998 sits between the two at 79%.
VAUXHALL TIGRA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 VAUXHALL TIGRA
The 1998 VAUXHALL TIGRA is a small family car with a 1389cc petrol engine. 104 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 58,417 miles at 28 years old, VAUXHALL TIGRA 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 TIGRA Fuel Costs
The 1389cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 VAUXHALL TIGRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VAUXHALL TIGRA Reliability Trend
Older VAUXHALL TIGRAs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 6 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1998 VAUXHALL TIGRA
At 28 years old, the VAUXHALL TIGRA 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 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 84%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 VAUXHALL TIGRA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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.
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 TIGRA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL TIGRA(1998) | 79% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017+£130 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(1999) | 89% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£497 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1999) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
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.
Related Vauxhall Models
Explore other Vauxhall cars or similar models in the same category.
VAUXHALL CORSA
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VAUXHALL MOKKA
2015 · 1364cc Petrol
MAZDA MX-5
1999 · 1600cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1999 · 1781cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
1999 · 1199cc Petrol
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