1998 Toyota Avensis · 1,463 MOT tests
1998 Toyota Avensis reliability
1998 Toyota Avensiss fail 40.1% of first MOT tests, 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 21 Avensis years (1,463 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 1998 Toyota Avensis?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Avensiss: 33.7%)
- 40.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Avensiss: 33.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 5% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 114,293
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,463
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1999 cars: 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 14.8% of tests fail here (94% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 65% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Toyota Avensis
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks14.8%
- Suspension11.8%
- Brakes10.2%
- Body, chassis and structure9.4%
- Tyres6.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.33%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 4.37%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.83%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 3.76%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.76%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.55%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.37%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.35%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (10.46%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.12%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.72%)
Other years
Every Toyota Avensis year
The full picture: Toyota Avensis reliability. Before you pay for any Toyota Avensis, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 Toyota Avensis reliable?
1998 Toyota Avensiss fail 40.1% of first MOT tests, 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 21 Avensis years (1,463 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Toyota Avensis MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.33% of tests), position lamp not working (4.37% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (3.83% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Toyota Avensis have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1998 Toyota Avensis shows 114,293 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
Check a 1998 Toyota Avensis free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.