Vauxhall Monterey (1998)
1998 Vauxhall Monterey
CarHunch analysed 521 real MOT records for the 1998 Vauxhall Monterey. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1998 Vauxhall Monterey is a below-average performer on its first MOT attempt, with a 74% pass rate compared to the UK average of 80%, and nearly one in four of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect—a significant concern for a buyer. Both petrol and diesel versions struggle equally, with pass rates of 75.1% and 73.4% respectively, suggesting the problem isn't fuel-related.
These Montereys are running at typical mileage for their age (median 121,775 miles), but they're generating substantial maintenance demands: an average of 3.43 failures and 21.6 advisories per test tell you this is a high-maintenance classic that needs close attention to stay roadworthy. Before committing to one, insist on a full pre-purchase inspection focusing on structural integrity and braking systems, given the dangerous defect rate.
What to check before buying a 1998 Vauxhall Monterey
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.
- ⚠️ 22.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 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 Vauxhall Monterey
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (59%) | 307 | 73.4% | 3.79 |
| Petrol (38%) | 197 | 75.1% | 2.85 |
| LPG (3%) | 17 | 72.2% | 3.65 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Vauxhall Monterey 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.
Half of all 1998 Vauxhall Monterey vehicles fall between 102,536 and 144,043 miles.
1998 Vauxhall Monterey — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 39 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (16% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1998 Vauxhall Monterey
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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54%
Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play
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51.3%
Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play
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49.6%
Oil leak
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46.3%
Brake pipe slightly corroded
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43.6%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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40.9%
Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded
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39.8%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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36.4%
Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Vauxhall Monterey?
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