1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Toyota Starlet MOT pass rate and common faults

773 MOT tests in 2024. 63.9% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

98Below average
Passed first time63.9%
Failed or needed repairs36.1%
Typical mileage at test86,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 773 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak6.3%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.6%
  3. Stop lamp: not working3.6%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.6%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.1%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
    65 marked dangerous
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.5%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.2%
  10. Position lamp: not working2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics22.4%
  2. Suspension14.7%
  3. Brakes14.5%
  4. Body & chassis10.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.5%
  6. Tyres6.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak19.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.4%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.5%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. 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 Starlet?

In 2024, 63.9% of 1997 Toyota Starlet cars passed their MOT first time, across 773 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

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

The most common failure reasons were shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; stop lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Toyota Starlet reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).