1998 Toyota Avensis: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Toyota Avensis?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Toyota Avensis than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Steering rack inner joints4× usual
  Toyota Avensis

  12% All 1998 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Number plates2.1× usual
  Toyota Avensis

  12.6% All 1998 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.7% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.1× usual
  Toyota Avensis

  9.8% All 1998 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 4.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.4× usual
  Toyota Avensis

  6.2% All 1998 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Sub-frame2× usual
  Toyota Avensis

  5.3% All 1998 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 1998 Toyota Avensis MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Toyota Avensis MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  36% 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.

• Brakes
  34% 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.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% 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 leaks
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Toyota Avensis

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 1998 Toyota Avensis as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1998 Toyota Avensis as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1998 Toyota Avensis as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?