VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 12,811 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
12,811
Avg Mileage
173,402 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 26 years old, 69% of VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTERs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 12,811 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 173,402 miles.
How does the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER has 173,402 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1998 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 129 | 38,291 mi |
| 2020 | 89% | 1,311 | 43,632 mi |
| 2019 | 88% | 25,915 | 55,696 mi |
| 2018 | 86% | 37,535 | 66,926 mi |
| 2017 | 85% | 38,467 | 76,077 mi |
| 2016 | 84% | 37,805 | 87,209 mi |
| 2015 | 82% | 34,503 | 95,309 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 30,466 | 105,350 mi |
| 2013 | 82% | 27,985 | 115,923 mi |
| 2012 | 80% | 24,759 | 125,395 mi |
| 2011 | 79% | 23,700 | 133,523 mi |
| 2010 | 77% | 21,463 | 140,851 mi |
| 2009 | 76% | 17,431 | 142,178 mi |
| 2008 | 75% | 25,818 | 153,577 mi |
| 2007 | 75% | 27,476 | 161,773 mi |
| 2006 | 73% | 23,355 | 167,933 mi |
| 2005 | 72% | 20,813 | 174,693 mi |
| 2004 | 73% | 19,211 | 180,024 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 13,745 | 173,749 mi |
| 2002 | 69% | 12,401 | 177,596 mi |
| 2001 | 70% | 12,405 | 176,472 mi |
| 2000 | 70% | 9,140 | 176,792 mi |
| 1999 | 70% | 12,854 | 176,887 mi |
| 1998 | 69% | 12,811 | 173,402 mi |
| 1997 | 69% | 10,120 | 163,637 mi |
| 1996 | 67% | 8,643 | 173,387 mi |
| 1995 | 69% | 5,077 | 166,204 mi |
| 1994 | 69% | 3,632 | 147,650 mi |
| 1993 | 69% | 2,096 | 137,070 mi |
| 1992 | 70% | 2,260 | 140,629 mi |
| 1991 | 74% | 2,007 | 143,826 mi |
| 1990 | 73% | 3,481 | 131,256 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
The 1998 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER is a large car with a 2461cc diesel engine. 12,811 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 173,402 miles at 26 years old, VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER owners drive about as much as the UK average.
1998 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER Fuel Costs
The 2461cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
At 26 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 12,811 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+7%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+6%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (+3%) from 3,080 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (2000) 73% pass rate (+4%) from 3,002 tests