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TOYOTA CARINA (1992)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 111 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,807

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1587cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £1807/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1587cc34 years old111 tests122k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1587cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137
Road Tax

Based on 1587cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,807
Per month£151/mo
Per week£35/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 34 years old, 82% of TOYOTA CARINAs from 1992 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 111 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 121,639 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1992 cars59th of 178(top 33%)
Rank among TOYOTA models562th of 996(top 56%)
vs national average+0%(82% avg)
vs 1992 cars average+5%(77% avg)
vs TOYOTA average-2%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

121,639

Average miles

vs

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1992 TOYOTA CARINA has 121,639 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 1995 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1992 sits between the two at 82%.

TOYOTA CARINA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
199770%370112,031 mi
199671%267107,038 mi
199582%176102,196 mi
199471%191117,839 mi
199369%205114,815 mi
199282%111121,639 mi
199174%174114,963 mi
199082%90119,706 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 1992 TOYOTA CARINA

The 1992 TOYOTA CARINA is a small family car with a 1587cc petrol engine. 111 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1992, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 121,639 miles at 34 years old, TOYOTA CARINA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1992 TOYOTA CARINA Fuel Costs

The 1587cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1992 TOYOTA CARINA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

TOYOTA CARINA Reliability Trend

Older TOYOTA CARINAs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 3 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1992 TOYOTA CARINA

At 34 years old, the TOYOTA CARINA 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 82%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1992 TOYOTA CARINA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 122k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn 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 risk

Always 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 1992 TOYOTA CARINA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
TOYOTA CARINA(1992)82%£1137£265Grp 12-25£1807
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991)80%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867+£60
BMW 3 SERIES(1990)84%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867+£60
ROVER MINI(1993)74%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1722-£85
FORD ESCORT(1990)85%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1677-£130

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

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