1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Toyota Starlet MOT pass rate and common faults

515 MOT tests in 2024. 64.7% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time64.7%
Failed or needed repairs35.3%
Typical mileage at test83,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 515 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.0%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.3%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.1%
  4. Stop lamp: not working3.7%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.5%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.1%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.1%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.1%
  9. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  10. Headlamp aim: too low2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics24.5%
  2. Brakes15.3%
  3. Body & chassis13.8%
  4. Emissions & leaks13.0%
  5. Suspension12.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.4%
  7. Tyres3.7%
  8. Steering1.7%

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 structure15.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.8%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play13.6%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.4%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible12.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 1998 StarletAll Starlet years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Toyota Starlet?

In 2024, 64.7% of 1999 Toyota Starlet cars passed their MOT first time, across 515 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Toyota Starlet?

The most common failure reasons were 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; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Toyota Starlet reliable at MOT time?

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