1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport 4.0L Petrol · S106 APL
1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport (4.0L, petrol). First registered 09 Sept 1998. Recorded mileage 70,301 miles. MOT expired on 23 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 23 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 70,301 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 4.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
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S106 APL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/10/2025
- 70,301 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S106 APL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport (S106 APL) between January 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 21 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Bodywork (10 issues), Lighting (8 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (7 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 30 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a bo”; “Central Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt X 2 (2.1.3 ”; “Central Front Steering linkage insecure to the extent there is excessive movement at the mountings DAMPER LEAKING AND GA”.
S106 APL Mileage History
- 27/01/202369,799 mi
- 27/01/202369,799 mi
- 10/07/202470,170 mi+371 mi
- 25/10/202470,175 mi+5 mi
- 21/10/202570,301 mi+126 mi
Average of roughly 184 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless you are a specialist mechanic prepared for significant structural restoration. While the mileage is low for the age, the history of structural corrosion and safety failures makes this a high-risk purchase.
The absolute priority for this vehicle is a thorough structural inspection. The MOT history repeatedly notes 'excessive corrosion' on the inner wing, sills, and seat belt anchorages. You must have a professional check the frame rails to determine if the structural integrity is compromised or if the rust is merely surface. Pay close attention to the 'lots of welding repairs' mentioned in 2023, as this suggests a history of trying to manage advanced rot.
Check the mechanical health of the 4.0L engine and the drivetrain carefully. The vehicle has a history of oil leaks, power steering seepage, and exhaust leaks. Ensure the steering linkage and anti-roll bars have been replaced recently, as these were previously marked as 'Dangerous'. Ask for a full service history to see if the gearbox oil has been changed regularly, which is a common failure point on older Jeep models.
The 4.0-litre V6 engine is notorious for high fuel consumption, likely averaging 12-15 mpg in real-world UK conditions. Given its age and engine size, it likely falls into a high tax band and expensive insurance group depending on your profile.
Maintenance costs will be significantly higher than average due to the rarity of specific parts and the ongoing need for rust-related repairs. Annual running costs, including fuel, tax, and basic maintenance, are estimated to be between £3,500 and £4,500.
Inspect the entire underbody for rust, specifically focusing on the towbar mounting points, axle areas, and inner sills. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern of corrosion in the seat belt anchorage areas, which is a critical safety concern that has required internal welding previously.
Examine the front steering linkage, track rod ends, and anti-roll bars. The vehicle failed with multiple 'Dangerous' defects regarding these components, so ensure they are currently new and free of excessive play. Additionally, check the exhaust system for leaks and check the back box, as this has been a consistent point of failure over the last three years.
This 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport sits at a relatively low mileage of over 70,000 miles for its age. However, the MOT history reveals a chronic struggle with severe corrosion, particularly in the chassis, sills, and seat belt anchorages. While it has passed its most recent test, the frequency of 'Dangerous' failures related to steering components and structural rust indicates significant underlying maintenance issues.
The 4.0L inline-six engine is famously durable, but the Wrangler is prone to severe body rust and suspension wear issues over time.
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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