1999 Toyota Celica: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Toyota Celica?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Toyota Celica than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.6× usual
  Toyota Celica

  12.4% All 1999 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.1%, against 4.6% of all 1999 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.

• Shock absorbers1.8× usual
  Toyota Celica

  10.5% All 1999 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usual
  Toyota Celica

  6% All 1999 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.7% of all 1999 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.

• Wheels4.7× usual
  Toyota Celica

  4.2% All 1999 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Common 1999 Toyota Celica MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Toyota Celica MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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
  36% 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 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.

• Tyres
  24% 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 emissions
  22% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Toyota Celica

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1999 Toyota Celica as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 1999 Toyota Celica as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1999 Toyota Celica as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?