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Toyota Hilux (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 195 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1812cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol1812cc36 years old195 tests151k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1812cc)

~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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

76% of MOT tests on Toyota Hiluxs from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 195 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 151,093 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models122nd of 182(bottom half)
Rank among Toyota models727th of 970(bottom half)
vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)
vs 1990 models average-3%(79% avg)
vs Toyota average-8%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

151,093

Average miles

vs

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Toyota Hilux had 151,093 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1990 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Hilux by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202181%1,03828,387 mi
202088%8,45149,813 mi
201988%9,70263,975 mi
201888%9,97774,335 mi
201786%9,60882,948 mi
201682%8,70088,215 mi
201579%10,41794,394 mi
201478%9,424101,858 mi
201376%8,145105,835 mi
201275%7,767114,215 mi
201173%7,679124,201 mi
201073%4,854132,562 mi
200973%3,416134,088 mi
200873%3,953141,229 mi
200774%3,571147,675 mi
200672%1,940147,502 mi
200574%2,450148,182 mi
200471%2,573158,060 mi
200373%1,911160,991 mi
200270%1,648154,069 mi
200170%1,041147,426 mi
200072%978158,021 mi
199972%1,717155,634 mi
199872%2,180164,247 mi
199774%956145,316 mi
199672%1,000161,430 mi
199576%659157,911 mi
199475%447150,345 mi
199381%291146,119 mi
199285%201137,343 mi
199178%221151,472 mi
199076%195151,093 mi

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About the 1990 Toyota Hilux

The 1990 Toyota Hilux is a family car. Our records list a 1812cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 195 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 151,093 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Hilux owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1990 Toyota Hilux Fuel Costs

The 1812cc 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 Hilux?

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 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Hilux Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Hiluxs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1990 Toyota Hilux

At 36 years old, the Toyota Hilux 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

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.

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 151k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 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 Hilux stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Toyota Hilux(1990)76%£1,631£375Grp 18-32£2,561
Volkswagen Golf(1991)80%£1,631£375Grp 18-32£2,411-£150
BMW 3 Series(1990)84%£1,631£375Grp 18-32£2,411-£150
Ford Escort(1990)85%£1,398£375Grp 12-25£2,178-£383
Peugeot 205(1990)80%£1,398£230Grp 8-20£2,033-£528

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 Hilux

Is the 1990 Toyota Hilux reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1990 Toyota Hiluxs ended in a pass, from 195 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Toyota Hilux 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 Hilux?

76% of 195 MOT tests on the 1990 Toyota Hilux ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 122nd of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom half).

Which year Toyota Hilux has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Toyota Hilux has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2001 the lowest at 70%. 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 Hilux?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Toyota Hilux is 151,093 miles, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Explore other Toyota cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Toyota Hilux.

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