1996 Toyota Corolla: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Toyota Corolla?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Toyota Corolla than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.6× usual
  Toyota Corolla

  15.5% All 1996 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1.7% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Tread depth1.9× usual
  Toyota Corolla

  17.5% All 1996 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1% of all 1996 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints5.1× usual
  Toyota Corolla

  6.6% All 1996 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 1996 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.

• Number plates2.1× usual
  Toyota Corolla

  10.6% All 1996 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.7% of all 1996 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.

Common 1996 Toyota Corolla MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Toyota Corolla MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Brakes
  28% 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
  25% 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
  16% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  16% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Toyota Corolla

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 1996 Toyota Corolla as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1996 Toyota Corolla as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 1996 Toyota Corolla as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?