1997 Toyota MR2: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Toyota MR2?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Toyota MR2 than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.1× usual
  Toyota MR2

  13.9% All 1997 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.9%, against 4.4% of all 1997 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.

• Braking performance2.2× usual
  Toyota MR2

  15% All 1997 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 3.6% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usual
  Toyota MR2

  3.8% All 1997 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 1997 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.

Common 1997 Toyota MR2 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Toyota MR2 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  33% 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.

• Suspension
  31% 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.

• 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.

• Tyres
  19% 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
  18% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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 1997 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 exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1997 Toyota MR2 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1997 Toyota MR2 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 1997 Toyota MR2 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?