TOYOTA MR2 (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 863 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
863
Avg Mileage
106,803 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1999 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 25 years old, 76% of TOYOTA MR2s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 863 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 106,803 miles.
How does the 1999 TOYOTA MR2 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 TOYOTA MR2 has 106,803 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 1999 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1999 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 1999 TOYOTA MR2
The 1999 TOYOTA MR2 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 863 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 106,803 miles at 25 years old, TOYOTA MR2 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 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 1999 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 1999 TOYOTA MR2
At 25 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 1999 TOYOTA MR2
The TOYOTA MR2 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (-8%) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-3%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-5%) from 8,442 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2001) 70% pass rate (-6%) from 8,335 tests