TOYOTA MR2 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,374 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
1,374
Avg Mileage
108,993 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1998 TOYOTA MR2 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 26 years old, 76% of TOYOTA MR2s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,374 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,993 miles.
How does the 1998 TOYOTA MR2 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 TOYOTA MR2 has 108,993 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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 1998 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1998 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 1998 TOYOTA MR2
The 1998 TOYOTA MR2 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 1,374 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 108,993 miles at 26 years old, TOYOTA MR2 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 TOYOTA MR2 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 TOYOTA MR2?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 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 1998 TOYOTA MR2
At 26 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 1998 TOYOTA MR2
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-9%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-3%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-5%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+2%) from 7,815 tests