1990 Toyota MR2: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1990 Toyota MR2?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1990 Toyota MR2 than on all cars registered in 1990.

• Anti-roll bar link joints14.3× usual
  Toyota MR2

  4.3% All 1990 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0% of all 1990 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.

• Coil springs2.1× usual
  Toyota MR2

  8.4% All 1990 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.5% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Handbrake performance5.7× usual
  Toyota MR2

  4% All 1990 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.7% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 1990 Toyota MR2 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Toyota MR2 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  33% 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
  30% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  20% 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.

• Tyres
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Toyota MR2

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

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 14.3× as often on the 1990 Toyota MR2 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1990 Toyota MR2 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the handbrake performance? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 1990 Toyota MR2 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?