1997 Toyota Starlet · 1,622 MOT tests
1997 Toyota Starlet reliability
1997 Toyota Starlets fail 36.6% of first MOT tests, 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 3 Starlet years (1,622 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Starlets: 34.6%)
- 36.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Starlets: 34.6%)
- 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 25
- 83,950
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,622
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- 1998 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.4% of tests fail here (81% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 51% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Toyota Starlet
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.7%
- Suspension12.6%
- Body, chassis and structure9.8%
- Brakes9.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.9%
- Tyres6.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 6.35%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.55%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.87%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.64%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Stop lamp not working 3.58%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.51%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Common advisories
Shock absorber light oil misting (16.21%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (13.13%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.96%) · Wheel bearing slight play (10.73%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (10.54%)
Other years
Every Toyota Starlet year
The full picture: Toyota Starlet reliability. Before you pay for any Toyota Starlet, 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 1997 Toyota Starlet reliable?
1997 Toyota Starlets fail 36.6% of first MOT tests, 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 3 Starlet years (1,622 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Toyota Starlet MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (6.35% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (5.55% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (4.87% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Toyota Starlet have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Toyota Starlet shows 83,950 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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