Toyota Avensis (1999)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,232 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,561
£213/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1762cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.
70% of MOT tests on Toyota Avensiss from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 1,232 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 122,912 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
122,912
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 1999 Toyota Avensis had 122,912 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Toyota Avensis by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 88% | 1,798 | 95,222 mi | |
| 2017 | 88% | 4,078 | 86,161 mi | |
| 2016 | 87% | 5,836 | 97,189 mi | |
| 2015 | 85% | 5,426 | 117,294 mi | |
| 2014 | 83% | 5,229 | 133,017 mi | |
| 2013 | 82% | 5,353 | 135,382 mi | |
| 2012 | 81% | 8,379 | 130,725 mi | |
| 2011 | 79% | 7,416 | 127,805 mi | |
| 2010 | 79% | 9,581 | 130,166 mi | |
| 2009 | 77% | 9,074 | 129,424 mi | |
| 2008 | 75% | 9,083 | 128,873 mi | |
| 2007 | 75% | 9,118 | 134,277 mi | |
| 2006 | 73% | 8,473 | 130,077 mi | |
| 2005 | 74% | 6,330 | 124,984 mi | |
| 2004 | 76% | 4,759 | 117,887 mi | |
| 2003 | 75% | 3,437 | 116,046 mi | |
| 2002 | 71% | 1,627 | 112,717 mi | |
| 2001 | 76% | 1,121 | 111,507 mi | |
| 2000 | 73% | 744 | 112,081 mi | |
| 1999 | 70% | 1,232 | 122,912 mi | |
| 1998 | 73% | 918 | 122,408 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1999 Toyota Avensis
The 1999 Toyota Avensis is a family car. Our records list a 1762cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,232 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 122,912 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Avensis owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 Toyota Avensis Fuel Costs
The 1762cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 Toyota Avensis?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Toyota Avensis Reliability Trend
Newer Toyota Avensiss pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 1999 Toyota Avensis
At 27 years old, the Toyota Avensis is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 27 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 123k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1999 Toyota Avensis stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Avensis(1999) | 70% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561 |
| Toyota Yaris(2001) | 71% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£408 |
| Ford Focus(2001) | 68% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428-£133 |
| Mazda MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,328-£233 |
| Volkswagen Golf(1999) | 71% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 1999 Toyota Avensis
Is the 1999 Toyota Avensis reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 1999 Toyota Avensiss ended in a pass, from 1,232 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1999 Toyota Avensis cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Toyota Avensis?
70% of 1,232 MOT tests on the 1999 Toyota Avensis ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 262nd of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom half).
Which year Toyota Avensis has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Toyota Avensis has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 1999 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1999 Toyota Avensis?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Toyota Avensis is 122,912 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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