1998 Toyota Celica · 1,766 MOT tests
1998 Toyota Celica reliability
1998 Toyota Celicas fail 40.1% of first MOT tests, 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 9 Celica years (1,766 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Celicas: 39.4%)
- 40.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Celicas: 39.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 4% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 123,382
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,766
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: about average for its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- 1999 cars: about average for its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.7% of tests fail here (103% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 73% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Toyota Celica
Fail rate by area
- Brakes15.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks14.9%
- Lights and electrics14.9%
- Body, chassis and structure12.7%
- Suspension11.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.5%
- Tyres4.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.76%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 3.85%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Position lamp not working 3.79%
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 3.62%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.4%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.11%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (12.91%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.34%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (8.61%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (7.53%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.3%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (7.13%)
Other years
Every Toyota Celica year
The full picture: Toyota Celica reliability. Before you pay for any Toyota Celica, 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 Celica reliable?
1998 Toyota Celicas fail 40.1% of first MOT tests, 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 9 Celica years (1,766 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Toyota Celica MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (4.76% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (3.85% of tests), position lamp not working (3.79% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Toyota Celica have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Toyota Celica shows 123,382 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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