Vauxhall Vectra (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 570 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc28 years old570 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

70% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Vectras from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 570 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 96,607 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models250th of 325(bottom 24%)

Rank among Vauxhall models775th of 870(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-5%(75% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-14%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

96,607

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Vauxhall Vectra had 96,607 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2000 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1998 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Vectra by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2009	71%	3,408	117,617 mi
2008	70%	18,793	117,989 mi
2007	71%	16,124	121,476 mi
2006	72%	8,767	121,234 mi
2005	69%	4,303	121,677 mi
2004	68%	2,420	119,713 mi
2003	70%	1,288	109,896 mi
2002	74%	1,056	110,589 mi
2001	73%	1,098	100,719 mi
2000	75%	656	101,398 mi
1999	73%	790	110,725 mi
1998	70%	570	96,607 mi
1997	72%	327	108,173 mi
1996	67%	78	86,421 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+3%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+1%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+8%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+5%

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About the 1998 Vauxhall Vectra

The 1998 Vauxhall Vectra is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 570 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 24% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 96,607 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Vectra owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Vauxhall Vectra 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 £1,631 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 Vectra?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Vauxhall Vectra Reliability Trend

The Vauxhall Vectra has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1998 Vauxhall Vectra

At 28 years old, the Vauxhall Vectra 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 2000 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.

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.

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 97k 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 Vectra 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 Vectra(1998)	70%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

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 Vectra

Is the 1998 Vauxhall Vectra reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 1998 Vauxhall Vectras ended in a pass, from 570 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Vauxhall Vectra cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 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 Vectra?

70% of 570 MOT tests on the 1998 Vauxhall Vectra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 250th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 24%).

Which year Vauxhall Vectra has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2000 Vauxhall Vectra has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2004 the lowest at 68%. 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 Vectra?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Vauxhall Vectra is 96,607 miles, 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.