2002 Toyota MR2: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Toyota MR2?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Toyota MR2 than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Handbrake performance6.1× usual
  Toyota MR2

  6.7% All 2002 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 1.1% of all 2002 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.2× usual
  Toyota MR2

  6.7% All 2002 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 3% of all 2002 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.

• Power steering pipes and hoses3.5× usual
  Toyota MR2

  3.5% All 2002 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Anti-roll bar4× usual
  Toyota MR2

  2.4% All 2002 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2002 Toyota MR2 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Toyota MR2 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  40% 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
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% 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
  18% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  10% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 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 handbrake performance? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the 2002 Toyota MR2 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2002 Toyota MR2 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the power steering pipes and hoses? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2002 Toyota MR2 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?