1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Toyota Starlet MOT pass rate and common faults

1,128 MOT tests in 2024. 62.9% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time62.9%
Failed or needed repairs37.1%
Typical mileage at test86,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,128 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle5.4%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.3%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.5%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.5%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    86 marked dangerous
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.1%
  8. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.7%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.4%
  10. Position lamp: not working2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics20.3%
  2. Brakes19.8%
  3. Suspension13.6%
  4. Body & chassis12.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks9.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.6%
  7. Tyres6.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Wheel bearings: has excessive play14.9%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak13.8%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.3%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.3%

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: service brake imbalance: across an axle. 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 1998 Toyota Starlet?

In 2024, 62.9% of 1998 Toyota Starlet cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,128 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Toyota Starlet?

The most common failure reasons were service brake imbalance: across an axle; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Toyota Starlet reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).