1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Toyota Starlet MOT pass rate and common faults

337 MOT tests in 2024. 68.3% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time68.3%
Failed or needed repairs31.8%
Typical mileage at test84,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 337 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.7%
  2. Stop lamp: not working4.2%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.9%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.9%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.3%
  6. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.0%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
    28 marked dangerous
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.8%
    11 marked dangerous

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics17.5%
  2. Suspension11.6%
  3. Emissions & leaks11.3%
  4. Body & chassis10.1%
  5. Brakes8.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.7%
  7. Tyres6.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak16.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.9%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.5%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play9.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Starlet years1997 Starlet →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Toyota Starlet?

In 2024, 68.3% of 1996 Toyota Starlet cars passed their MOT first time, across 337 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Toyota Starlet?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; stop lamp: not working; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Toyota Starlet reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).