Toyota Celica (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 187 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

2000cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 7 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Toyota Celica

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol2000cc36 years old187 tests118k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2000cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

75% of MOT tests on Toyota Celicas from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 187 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 118,452 miles.

Got a Toyota Celica you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models133rd of 182(bottom half)

Rank among Toyota models764th of 970(bottom 22%)

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

vs 1990 models average-4%(79% avg)

vs Toyota average-9%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

118,452

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Toyota Celica had 118,452 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

Looking at a specific Toyota Celica?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1990 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Celica by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

+5%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+9%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+10%

Mazda MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

78%

+3%

Check a Specific Toyota Celica

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 1990 Toyota Celica

The 1990 Toyota Celica is a family car. Our records list a 2000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 187 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 118,452 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Celica 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.

1990 Toyota Celica Fuel Costs

The 2000cc 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 1990 Toyota Celica?

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 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Celica Reliability Trend

The Toyota Celica has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1990 Toyota Celica

At 36 years old, the Toyota Celica 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 77%.

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 out

At 36 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 118k 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.

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 1990 Toyota Celica 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 Celica(1990)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£383
Mazda MX-5(1991)	78%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233

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 1990 Toyota Celica

Is the 1990 Toyota Celica reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1990 Toyota Celicas ended in a pass, from 187 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.

How much does a 1990 Toyota Celica 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 1990 Toyota Celica?

75% of 187 MOT tests on the 1990 Toyota Celica ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 133rd of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom half).

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% and the 1997 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Toyota Celica?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Toyota Celica is 118,452 miles, 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.