Toyota Celica

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 19 model years from 19,596 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

74%

Total Tests

19,596

Highest Pass Rate

1995 (77%)

Years Covered

About the Toyota Celica

The Toyota Celica was MOT tested 19,596 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 19 model years (1990 to 2008), with an average pass rate of 74%. That's 8 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 77% from 370 tests. The 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. The 9 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 Celica has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 118,452 miles, while the newest (2008) averages 119,491 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Toyota brand average of 84%, the Celica is 10 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Toyota models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/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 2008 details

How reliable is the Toyota Celica?

vs average of all models-8% (82% avg)

vs Toyota brand average-10% (84% avg)

Best to worst year spread9 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Toyota Celica by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2008	88%	57	119,491 mi
2007	73%	137	131,245 mi
2006	75%	1,775	105,306 mi
2005	73%	2,404	115,012 mi
2004	72%	2,740	116,055 mi
2003	72%	2,488	118,340 mi
2002	74%	1,861	118,564 mi
2001	74%	1,589	119,894 mi
2000	71%	916	117,266 mi
1999	72%	894	121,784 mi
1998	71%	1,415	124,348 mi
1997	68%	1,002	133,345 mi
1996	73%	902	127,103 mi
1995	77%	370	123,514 mi
1994	73%	360	123,787 mi
1993	74%	148	126,173 mi
1992	72%	169	116,058 mi
1991	70%	182	122,842 mi
1990	75%	187	118,452 mi

Questions about the Toyota Celica

Is the Toyota Celica reliable?

Across its 19 model years in our data (1990 to 2008), the Toyota Celica averages a 74% MOT pass rate, from 19,596 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 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 77%.

Which year Toyota Celica has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Toyota Celica has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%, a 9 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.