1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Citroen Saxo MOT pass rate and common faults

100 MOT tests in 2024. 65.0% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time65.0%
Failed or needed repairs35.0%
Typical mileage at test69,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 100 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.0%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits7.0%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits6.0%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle6.0%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits5.0%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.0%
  7. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements4.0%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits4.0%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed4.0%
  10. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting3.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks34.0%
  2. Brakes28.0%
  3. Suspension21.0%
  4. Lights & electrics14.0%
  5. Body & chassis11.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.0%
  7. Seat belts & airbags5.0%
  8. Steering2.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.0%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.0%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.0%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Citroen Saxo?

In 2024, 65.0% of 1998 Citroen Saxo cars passed their MOT first time, across 100 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Citroen Saxo?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1998 Citroen Saxo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 100, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).