Sell your 1998 Hyundai Elantra for cash
The 1998 Hyundai Elantra is a wagon that came with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1998 Elantra in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
1998 Hyundai Elantra at a glance
| Body style | Compact Cars, Small Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.8L 4-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 19–21 city / 27–29 highway / 22–24 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,800–$3,050 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 370–404 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 4 configurations: Elantra, Elantra Wagon |
| Age | 28 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 28 years old, most of a 1998 Elantra's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a wagon, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the engine and engine cooling. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1998 Hyundai Elantra recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Hyundai Elantra. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 1998 Elantra problems
Owners have filed 55 complaints about the 1998 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA. 9 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 6 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Power Train73,000 mi
- Fuel System, Gasoline70,000 mi
- Latches/Locks/Linkages20,000 mi
1998 Hyundai Elantra service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 51 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 Hyundai Elantra. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog l
Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or su
Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire
Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.  Use of other ATF may result in improper shift qua
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Selling a 1998 Elantra: questions
How much is a 1998 Hyundai Elantra worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1998 Elantra that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1998 Elantras that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1998 Elantra?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1998 Elantra today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.