TOYOTA MR2 (2008)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 61 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
61
Avg Mileage
89,184 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,717
Is the 2008 TOYOTA MR2 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 16 years old, 93% of TOYOTA MR2s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 61 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 89,184 miles.
How does the 2008 TOYOTA MR2 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2008 TOYOTA MR2 has 89,184 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
How much does a 2008 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 2008 TOYOTA MR2
The 2008 TOYOTA MR2 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 61 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2008 cars for reliability.
With an average of 89,184 miles at 16 years old, TOYOTA MR2 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 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 2008 TOYOTA MR2?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,717 (£143/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2008 TOYOTA MR2
At 16 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. Note: with only 61 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2008 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 (2009) 74% pass rate (-19%) from 105,193 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2010) 67% pass rate (-26%) from 60,994 tests
- MINI MINI (2010) 80% pass rate (-13%) from 59,218 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (-13%) from 55,686 tests