Chrysler Jeep Neon (1998)

167 real MOT outcomes analysed • 73.9% first-time pass rate

1998 Chrysler Jeep Neon

CarHunch analysed 167 real MOT records for the 1998 Chrysler Jeep Neon. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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The 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Neon passes its MOT on first attempt only 73.9% of the time, notably below the UK average of 80%, which suggests these cars demand more maintenance attention than typical vehicles of this age. Fortunately, dangerous defects are relatively uncommon at 13.8%, so safety isn't a major red flag—but you should expect to budget for repairs.

These Neons are averaging 73,459 miles, which is reasonable wear for a 26-year-old car, yet they're racking up nearly two failures and seven advisories per vehicle, pointing to age-related deterioration across multiple systems rather than one specific problem area. Before committing to a purchase, have a pre-buy inspection done by someone familiar with 1990s American models, as the cumulative minor issues will cost you more in the long run than a tighter European equivalent.

We have limited data for the 1998 Chrysler Jeep Neon — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
73.9%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
13.8%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.91
Over 6.2 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
73k
Middle half: 56k–89k
For context

These stats describe 167 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

What tends to go wrong

Across 167 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Other issues 58%
Oil leak
Suspension & steering 48.9%
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement · Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement · Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Tyre wear 43%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Lighting 29%
Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated · Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Brake wear 20.4%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Brake pipe slightly corroded · Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Exhaust & emissions 17.1%
Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 167 Chrysler Jeep Neon cars.

UK

Before you buy a 1998 Chrysler Jeep Neon

Based on MOT data from 167 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 13.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 Chrysler Jeep Neon vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

72,698
typical
55,904
low mileage
89,277
high mileage

Half of all 1998 Chrysler Jeep Neon vehicles fall between 55,904 and 89,277 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 55,904 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
55,904–89,277 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1998 Chrysler Jeep Neons sit.
Over 120,523 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

6.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.91
Avg failures per vehicle
6.9
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Chrysler Jeep Neon: All Neon years → Which year to buy? →
1997 1999 2000 2001 2002

Or browse all models: Chrysler Jeep →

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Buyer beware — pass it on