1998 Toyota Starlet: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1998 Toyota Starlets, from 1,048 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 1998 Toyota Starlets than on all cars registered in 1998.
- Wheel bearings2.8× usualToyota Starlet17.5% All 1998 cars6.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints3.2× usualToyota Starlet16.1% All 1998 cars5.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Shock absorbers2.6× usualToyota Starlet16.9% All 1998 cars6.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Suspension arm2.8× usualToyota Starlet8.5% All 1998 cars3%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.2% of all 1998 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× usualToyota Starlet7.3% All 1998 cars2.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.8% of all 1998 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.
Chassis rust or damage: 2.5% here, against 5.8% of all 1998 cars. Flexible brake hoses: 2.4% here, against 5.6% of all 1998 cars.
By area
The share of 1998 Toyota Starlet MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension38% 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.
- Lights and electrics33% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes29% 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.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions17% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks16% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 472 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 1997 | 701 | Suspension 42% |
| 1996 | 331 | Suspension 34% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1998 Toyota Starlets registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score