Toyota Carina (1995)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 176 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,178
£182/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1587cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2,178/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
Check a specific Toyota Carina
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size 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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
82% of MOT tests on Toyota Carinas from 1995 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 29 years old. That's based on 176 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 102,196 miles.
Got a Toyota Carina you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
102,196
Average miles
214,600
Expected for age
The average 1995 Toyota Carina had 102,196 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Looking at a specific Toyota Carina?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Toyota Carina by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Toyota Carina
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 1995 Toyota Carina
The 1995 Toyota Carina is a small family car. Our records list a 1587cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 176 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 25% of all 1995 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 102,196 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.
1995 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 £1,398 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 1995 Toyota Carina?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,178 (£182/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 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
The Toyota Carina has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1995 Toyota Carina
At 31 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.
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.
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 102k 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.
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 1995 Toyota Carina 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 Carina(1995) | 82% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,178 |
| Mazda MX-5(1997) | 76% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561+£383 |
| BMW Z3(1997) | 75% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561+£383 |
| BMW 3 Series(1996) | 82% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,411+£233 |
| Volkswagen Golf(1997) | 74% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561+£383 |
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 1995 Toyota Carina
Is the 1995 Toyota Carina reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1995 Toyota Carinas ended in a pass, from 176 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1995 Toyota Carina cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,178 a year (£182 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1995 Toyota Carina?
82% of 176 MOT tests on the 1995 Toyota Carina ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 54th of 221 models first registered in 1995 (top 25%).
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% and the 1993 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1995 Toyota Carina?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1995 Toyota Carina is 102,196 miles, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Toyota Models
Explore other Toyota cars or similar models in the same category.
Toyota Yaris
2013 · 1330cc Petrol
Toyota Aygo
2015 · 998cc Petrol
Toyota Prius
2019 · 1797cc Hybrid
Mazda MX-5
1997 · 1800cc Petrol
BMW Z3
1997 · 1900cc Petrol
BMW 3 Series
1996 · 1896cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Toyota Carina.
Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026 (Ranked With Real MOT Data)
11 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific Toyota Carina
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a Toyota Carina? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
With outstanding finance included