1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Toyota MR2 MOT pass rate and common faults

247 MOT tests in 2024. 66.8% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time66.8%
Failed or needed repairs33.2%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 247 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements7.7%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits6.5%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.1%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits5.7%
  5. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.9%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.6%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.2%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.2%
  9. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.8%
  10. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks26.3%
  2. Brakes20.6%
  3. Suspension14.2%
  4. Lights & electrics13.8%
  5. Body & chassis7.7%
  6. Seat belts & airbags6.5%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.0%
  8. Tyres3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.7%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened7.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Toyota MR2?

In 2024, 66.8% of 1997 Toyota MR2 cars passed their MOT first time, across 247 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Toyota MR2?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1997 Toyota MR2 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).