Toyota Carina

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 8 model years from 1,584 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

75%

Total Tests

1,584

Highest Pass Rate

1995 (82%)

Years Covered

About the Toyota Carina

The Toyota Carina was MOT tested 1,584 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 8 model years (1990 to 1997), with an average pass rate of 75%. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 82% from 176 tests. The 1993 model has the lowest at 69%. The 13 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Toyota Carina has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 119,706 miles, while the newest (1997) averages 112,031 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Toyota brand average of 84%, the Carina is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Toyota models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1762cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 1997 details

How reliable is the Toyota Carina?

vs average of all models-7% (82% avg)

vs Toyota brand average-9% (84% avg)

Best to worst year spread13 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Toyota Carina by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1997	70%	370	112,031 mi
1996	71%	267	107,038 mi
1995	82%	176	102,196 mi
1994	71%	191	117,839 mi
1993	69%	205	114,815 mi
1992	82%	111	121,639 mi
1991	74%	174	114,963 mi
1990	82%	90	119,706 mi

Questions about the Toyota Carina

Is the Toyota Carina reliable?

Across its 8 model years in our data (1990 to 1997), the Toyota Carina averages a 75% MOT pass rate, from 1,584 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1995 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 82%.

Which year Toyota Carina has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Toyota Carina has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 69%, a 13 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.