1998 Citroen Xsara 1.8L Petrol · S558 ECD
1998 Citroen Xsara (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01/11/1998. Recorded mileage 81,684 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- CITROEN XSARA
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05/02/2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 81,684 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1761cc
S558 ECD Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/02/2024
- 81,684 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
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S558 ECD Mileage History
- 08/09/202180,939 mi
- 05/12/202281,550 mi+611 mi
- 06/02/202481,684 mi+134 mi
- 06/02/202481,684 mi
Average of roughly 309 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
S558 ECD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Citroen Xsara (S558 ECD) between September 2021 and February 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 06 February 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A surprisingly low-mileage modern classic that requires careful inspection of age-related wear. While the mileage is impressive, recent MOT failures suggest a history of deferred maintenance on rubber components and wipers.
When inspecting this Xsara, your primary focus should be the state of rubber parts. Because the car has sat or been used infrequently, hoses, bushings, and tyres can perish regardless of tread depth. Look specifically at the deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage and the rear brake hoses mentioned in the recent MOT advisories, as these are signs of delayed repair.
Check the service history for evidence of oil changes; low-mileage cars often skip services based on distance rather than time, which can affect engine health. Ensure the windscreen wipers function perfectly, as this was a recent failure point, and verify that the handbrake holds firmly, as the cable casings have been a known issue on this model in the past.
With a 1.6L petrol engine, the Xsara is relatively economical to run. You can expect decent fuel economy around 35-40 MPG depending on driving style. The tax band for this era is generally low, and it typically sits in a moderate insurance group.
Maintenance costs are low as parts are widely available and simple. However, you should budget for occasional replacements of suspension components and brake related hardware. The estimated annual running cost is approximately £600-£800, including fuel, tax, and basic maintenance.
Pay close attention to the front suspension. The 2024 MOT noted a severely deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage, and previous history shows excessive play in track control arm inner bushes. Check for any clunking noises when driving over bumps, which indicate these components need replacing.
Examine the braking system thoroughly. The history shows a pattern of deteriorated brake hoses and rusted discs. Ensure the brake fluid is clean and that the hoses are not cracking or bulging. Additionally, check the tyres for cracking or perishing, as the 2024 advisory specifically flagged the nearside front tyre for damage.
This 1998 Citroen Xsara is remarkably low-mileage for its age, covering just over 81,000 miles in nearly 28 years. It has maintained a clean MOT record for several years, though the 2024 failure highlighted issues with wipers and suspension de-deterioration. It represents a budget-friendly entry for those willing to address the inevitable degradation typical of a vehicle that has seen limited use.
The Xsara is generally considered a robust and straightforward hatchback, though age-related electrical issues and rubber wear are common in high-age examples.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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