1998 Toyota MR2 · 1,511 MOT tests
1998 Toyota MR2 reliability
1998 Toyota MR2s fail 31.4% of first MOT tests, 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 9 MR2 years (1,511 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Toyota MR2s: 33.3%)
- 31.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Toyota MR2s: 33.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 107,550
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,511
- 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 better)
- 1999 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 12.4% of tests fail here (62% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 48% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Toyota MR2
Fail rate by area
- Brakes13.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks12.4%
- Lights and electrics11.3%
- Suspension9.1%
- Body, chassis and structure5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.7%
- Tyres3.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 5.23%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 4.1%
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 3.71%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.57%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Carbon monoxide high, default limits 2.78%
High carbon monoxide at fast idle suggests engine or exhaust-emission faults, so diagnosis is recommended before buying.
Parking brake inoperative on one side 2.65%
The parking brake does not work on one side, so the car may not hold on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.13%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (5.96%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.43%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.77%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (4.3%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (3.71%)
Is a 1998 Toyota MR2 reliable?
1998 Toyota MR2s fail 31.4% of first MOT tests, 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 9 MR2 years (1,511 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Toyota MR2 MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (5.23% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (4.1% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (3.71% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Toyota MR2 have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Toyota MR2 shows 107,550 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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