VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 100 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
100
Avg Mileage
149,156 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 26 years old, 77% of VOLKSWAGEN SHARANs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 100 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 149,156 miles.
How does the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN has 149,156 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 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 60%. The 1998 sits between the two at 77%.
How much does a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 94% | 32 | 58,054 mi |
| 2023 | 96% | 45 | 36,329 mi |
| 2022 | 83% | 36 | 45,020 mi |
| 2021 | 88% | 2,860 | 26,033 mi |
| 2020 | 89% | 2,458 | 40,416 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 9,709 | 92,208 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 5,209 | 80,763 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 5,436 | 99,674 mi |
| 2016 | 87% | 5,322 | 117,033 mi |
| 2015 | 83% | 5,386 | 118,143 mi |
| 2014 | 83% | 5,121 | 116,423 mi |
| 2013 | 82% | 4,249 | 112,359 mi |
| 2012 | 81% | 3,959 | 107,276 mi |
| 2011 | 81% | 4,078 | 115,991 mi |
| 2010 | 77% | 1,274 | 139,864 mi |
| 2009 | 69% | 1,013 | 139,940 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 1,090 | 140,672 mi |
| 2007 | 65% | 1,352 | 142,445 mi |
| 2006 | 64% | 1,294 | 142,616 mi |
| 2005 | 64% | 1,301 | 142,399 mi |
| 2004 | 66% | 781 | 149,108 mi |
| 2003 | 64% | 501 | 150,605 mi |
| 2002 | 69% | 354 | 140,476 mi |
| 2001 | 69% | 163 | 131,329 mi |
| 2000 | 75% | 75 | 134,486 mi |
| 1999 | 63% | 57 | 129,752 mi |
| 1998 | 77% | 100 | 149,156 mi |
| 1997 | 71% | 79 | 132,258 mi |
| 1996 | 60% | 58 | 159,071 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN
The 1998 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN is a family car with a 1896cc diesel engine. 100 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, 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 149,156 miles at 26 years old, VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN Fuel Costs
The 1896cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN SHARANs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN
At 26 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
Alternatives to the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2000) 77% pass rate (same) from 4,799 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1999) 72% pass rate (-5%) from 4,393 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1998) 65% pass rate (-12%) from 4,382 tests
- MERCEDES C (1997) 81% pass rate (+4%) from 2,336 tests