TOYOTA MR2 (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,482 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
2000cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 5 points below average.
Check a specific TOYOTA MR2
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 2000cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this TOYOTA MR2
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
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 21 years old, 77% of TOYOTA MR2s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,482 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,599 miles.
Got a TOYOTA MR2 you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
83,599
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 TOYOTA MR2 has 83,599 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Looking at a specific TOYOTA MR2?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2008 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2005 sits between the two at 77%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Toyota Mr2
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2005 TOYOTA MR2
The 2005 TOYOTA MR2 is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 1,482 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 83,599 miles at 21 years old, TOYOTA MR2 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 TOYOTA MR2 Fuel Costs
The 2000cc 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 2005 TOYOTA MR2?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 2005 TOYOTA MR2
At 21 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 TOYOTA MR2's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 21 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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
Medium riskWith an average of 84k 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 2005 TOYOTA MR2 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA MR2(2005) | 77% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| FORD FOCUS(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£330 |
| MINI MINI(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2007) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£20 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Toyota Models
Explore other Toyota cars or similar models in the same category.
TOYOTA YARIS
2013 · 1330cc Petrol
TOYOTA AYGO
2015 · 998cc Petrol
TOYOTA PRIUS
2019 · 1797cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2007 · 1596cc Petrol
BMW 3 SERIES
2007 · 1796cc Petrol
MINI MINI
2007 · 1598cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Toyota Mr2.
Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026 (Data From 50M Real MOT Tests)
11 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific TOYOTA MR2
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a TOYOTA MR2? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data