Fiat Brava 1.4 S (1998)

1,212 real MOT outcomes analysed • 24.2% first-time pass rate

1998 Fiat Brava 1.4 S

CarHunch analysed 1,212 real MOT records for the 1998 Fiat Brava 1.4 S. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Only 24% of 1998 Fiat Bravas pass their MOT first time—that's catastrophically below the 80% UK average and a serious red flag. With 6.5% having suffered dangerous defects, you're looking at a model that's genuinely risky in its old age.

These cars are averaging 72,000 miles at 26 years old, suggesting moderate use, but that hasn't translated to reliability: each vehicle typically fails on 0.64 items and racks up 1.4 advisories per test. Before buying one, commission a full pre-purchase inspection focused on structural rust, electrical gremlins, and suspension wear—this generation simply doesn't age well.

Below average reliability 55.8% below UK average
24.2%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
71,423
typical mileage
58,739–83,807 middle half
6.5%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.64
avg MOT failures per car
over 2.4 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1998 Fiat Brava 1.4 S

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Fiat Brava 1.4 S

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 Fiat Brava 1.4 S vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

58,739
low mileage
71,423
typical
83,807
high mileage

Half of all 1998 Fiat Brava 1.4 S vehicles fall between 58,739 and 83,807 miles.

MOT History Averages

2.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.64
Avg failures per vehicle
1.4
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Fiat Brava 1.4 S?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Fiat Brava 1.4 S:

1996 1997