Toyota Estima (2021)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 917 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,563
£214/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2400cc Hybrid
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2,563/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)
Standard rate (from April 2017)
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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
81% of MOT tests on Toyota Estimas from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 917 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 102,879 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
102,879
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2021 Toyota Estima had 102,879 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2021 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Toyota Estima by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 100% | 58 | 61,359 mi | |
| 2023 | 93% | 54 | 70,462 mi | |
| 2022 | 84% | 75 | 81,193 mi | |
| 2021 | 81% | 917 | 102,879 mi | |
| 2020 | 80% | 1,189 | 110,635 mi | |
| 2019 | 88% | 1,599 | 108,726 mi | |
| 2018 | 89% | 1,859 | 89,214 mi | |
| 2017 | 91% | 2,476 | 79,255 mi | |
| 2016 | 88% | 2,387 | 94,174 mi | |
| 2015 | 87% | 2,010 | 93,735 mi | |
| 2014 | 90% | 3,038 | 90,170 mi | |
| 2013 | 91% | 4,223 | 81,516 mi | |
| 2012 | 91% | 4,455 | 81,616 mi | |
| 2011 | 87% | 2,879 | 85,511 mi | |
| 2010 | 87% | 3,823 | 90,321 mi | |
| 2009 | 87% | 3,463 | 89,757 mi | |
| 2008 | 86% | 2,498 | 98,717 mi | |
| 2007 | 83% | 1,815 | 102,331 mi | |
| 2006 | 83% | 1,658 | 103,888 mi | |
| 2005 | 73% | 289 | 99,967 mi | |
| 2004 | 77% | 322 | 118,674 mi | |
| 2003 | 74% | 232 | 140,549 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 117 | 137,804 mi | |
| 2001 | 60% | 48 | 157,482 mi | |
| 2000 | 67% | 33 | 141,989 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 Toyota Estima
The 2021 Toyota Estima is a large car. Our records list a 2400cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 917 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 3% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 102,879 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Estima owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 Toyota Estima Fuel Costs
The 2400cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Our estimate uses around 30 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, which works out to roughly £1,958 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). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2021 Toyota Estima?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,563 (£214/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Toyota Estima Reliability Trend
Newer Toyota Estimas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2021 Toyota Estima
At 5 years old, the Toyota Estima offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
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.
Hybrid Battery Health
Medium riskAfter 5 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Low riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 103k 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 2021 Toyota Estima 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 Estima(2021) | 81% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 25-38 | £2,563 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2019) | 94% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,086-£477 |
| Toyota C-HR(2019) | 92% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,086-£477 |
| Toyota Corolla(2019) | 93% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,086-£477 |
| Toyota RAV4(2020) | 95% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 25-38 | £2,413-£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 2021 Toyota Estima
Is the 2021 Toyota Estima reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2021 Toyota Estimas ended in a pass, from 917 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2021 Toyota Estima cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,563 a year (£214 a month): £1,958 fuel, £200 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 2021 Toyota Estima?
81% of 917 MOT tests on the 2021 Toyota Estima ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 3242nd of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 3%).
Which year Toyota Estima has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Toyota Estima has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2002 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 2021 Toyota Estima?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Toyota Estima is 102,879 miles, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Related Toyota Models
Explore other Toyota cars or similar models in the same category.
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Toyota Prius
2019 · 1797cc Hybrid
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2019 · 1997cc Hybrid
Toyota C-HR
2019 · 1987cc Hybrid
Toyota Corolla
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