2006 Toyota Celica: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Toyota Celicas, from 882 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Toyota Celicas than on all cars registered in 2006.
- Suspension arm2.3× usualToyota Celica8.6% All 2006 cars3.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Brakes pulling to one side3.9× usualToyota Celica5.8% All 2006 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.8× usualToyota Celica10.1% All 2006 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 2.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Body structure rust or damage2.1× usualToyota Celica6.1% All 2006 cars2.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.8% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.
- Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.3× usualToyota Celica5.3% All 2006 cars2.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 2.6% here, against 11.1% of all 2006 cars. Drive shaft (CV) joints: 2.5% here, against 7.6% of all 2006 cars.
By area
The share of 2006 Toyota Celica MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension39% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes38% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics29% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres23% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Rust and bodywork15% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Exhaust and emissions15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1,208 | Suspension 44% |
| 2004 | 1,264 | Suspension 45% |
| 2003 | 1,118 | Suspension 47% |
| 2002 | 857 | Suspension 43% |
| 2001 | 727 | Suspension 47% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Toyota Celicas registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score