Toyota Celica (1993)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 148 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,561
£213/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Higher estimate due to low pass 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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.
74% of MOT tests on Toyota Celicas from 1993 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 31 years old. That's based on 148 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 126,173 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
126,173
Average miles
229,400
Expected for age
The average 1993 Toyota Celica had 126,173 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 1993 scores 74%. 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
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About the 1993 Toyota Celica
The 1993 Toyota Celica is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 148 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1993, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 126,173 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Celica owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1993 Toyota Celica Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 1993 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 74% 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 1993 Toyota Celica
At 33 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 outAt 33 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.
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 126k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn 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 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 1993 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(1993) | 74% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561 |
| Volkswagen Golf(1991) | 80% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,411-£150 |
| Mazda MX-5(1995) | 74% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561same |
| Mercedes E(1994) | 79% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 25-38 | £2,888+£327 |
| BMW 3 Series(1991) | 82% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,411-£150 |
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 1993 Toyota Celica
Is the 1993 Toyota Celica reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 1993 Toyota Celicas ended in a pass, from 148 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.
How much does a 1993 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 1993 Toyota Celica?
74% of 148 MOT tests on the 1993 Toyota Celica ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 116th of 188 models first registered in 1993 (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 1993 Toyota Celica?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1993 Toyota Celica is 126,173 miles, which is below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Mercedes E
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