TOYOTA MR2 (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 713 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Total Tests (2024)
713
Avg Mileage
115,872 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 1990 TOYOTA MR2 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 34 years old, 79% of TOYOTA MR2s from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 713 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,872 miles.
How does the 1990 TOYOTA MR2 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 TOYOTA MR2 has 115,872 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a TOYOTA MR2?
The most reliable year is the 2008 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1990 sits between the two at 79%.
How much does a 1990 TOYOTA MR2 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
TOYOTA MR2 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 93% | 61 | 89,184 mi |
| 2007 | 77% | 123 | 109,094 mi |
| 2006 | 79% | 1,274 | 73,036 mi |
| 2005 | 77% | 1,482 | 83,599 mi |
| 2004 | 77% | 2,267 | 87,135 mi |
| 2003 | 77% | 2,505 | 94,368 mi |
| 2002 | 75% | 2,029 | 92,036 mi |
| 2001 | 76% | 1,597 | 94,735 mi |
| 2000 | 72% | 1,896 | 96,510 mi |
| 1999 | 76% | 863 | 106,803 mi |
| 1998 | 76% | 1,374 | 108,993 mi |
| 1997 | 72% | 903 | 106,809 mi |
| 1996 | 73% | 613 | 107,294 mi |
| 1995 | 73% | 521 | 115,810 mi |
| 1994 | 73% | 535 | 100,166 mi |
| 1993 | 72% | 885 | 112,683 mi |
| 1992 | 70% | 840 | 114,466 mi |
| 1991 | 74% | 711 | 115,453 mi |
| 1990 | 79% | 713 | 115,872 mi |
Checking a specific TOYOTA MR2?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 TOYOTA MR2
The 1990 TOYOTA MR2 is a small family car with a 1587cc petrol engine. 713 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 115,872 miles at 34 years old, TOYOTA MR2 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 MR2 Fuel Costs
The 1587cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1990 TOYOTA MR2?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TOYOTA MR2 Reliability Trend
Newer TOYOTA MR2s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1990 TOYOTA MR2
At 34 years old, the TOYOTA MR2 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 2008 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.
Alternatives to the 1990 TOYOTA MR2
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (+1%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (+5%) from 3,316 tests
- ROVER MINI (1991) 80% pass rate (+1%) from 2,744 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+6%) from 2,672 tests