2003 Toyota MR2 · 4,698 MOT tests
2003 Toyota MR2 reliability
2003 Toyota MR2s fail 33.1% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 9 MR2 years (4,698 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Toyota MR2s: 33.3%)
- 33.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Toyota MR2s: 33.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 20% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 89,519
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,698
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: brakes, 17.6% of tests fail here (39% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 66% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Toyota MR2
Fail rate by area
- Brakes17.6%
- Lights and electrics11.3%
- Suspension9.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.3%
- Tyres3.8%
- Body, chassis and structure2.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 8.85%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Parking brake inoperative on one side 4.43%
The parking brake does not work on one side, so the car may not hold on a slope and needs repair.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.07%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.83%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.62%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.51%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (9.41%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (9.07%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.83%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.56%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.17%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (4.87%)
Is a 2003 Toyota MR2 reliable?
2003 Toyota MR2s fail 33.1% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 9 MR2 years (4,698 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Toyota MR2 MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (8.85% of tests), parking brake inoperative on one side (4.43% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.07% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Toyota MR2 have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Toyota MR2 shows 89,519 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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