Toyota RAV4 (1994)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 103 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc32 years old103 tests115k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

76% of MOT tests on Toyota RAV4s from 1994 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 30 years old. That's based on 103 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 114,912 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1994 models115th of 204(bottom half)

Rank among Toyota models732nd of 970(bottom 25%)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 1994 models average+0%(76% avg)

vs Toyota average-8%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

114,912

Average miles

222,000

Expected for age

The average 1994 Toyota RAV4 had 114,912 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1994 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota RAV4 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	98%	43	20,925 mi
2022	96%	874	24,460 mi
2021	96%	17,327	28,263 mi
2020	95%	21,063	37,470 mi
2019	95%	15,813	42,076 mi
2018	91%	12,367	47,872 mi
2017	89%	12,682	58,953 mi
2016	89%	12,934	66,323 mi
2015	88%	8,896	76,597 mi
2014	87%	7,762	84,598 mi
2013	87%	7,737	90,677 mi
2012	85%	2,610	90,323 mi
2011	85%	834	94,363 mi
2010	79%	910	98,211 mi
2009	76%	3,006	113,712 mi
2008	75%	6,232	117,679 mi
2007	74%	6,284	117,871 mi
2006	74%	4,339	112,901 mi
2005	78%	5,924	112,885 mi
2004	76%	5,895	112,590 mi
2003	75%	4,621	119,254 mi
2002	75%	3,459	123,590 mi
2001	74%	1,839	123,791 mi
2000	74%	791	119,583 mi
1999	74%	1,509	119,127 mi
1998	72%	1,871	121,783 mi
1997	68%	939	118,557 mi
1996	70%	696	116,356 mi
1995	72%	559	120,800 mi
1994	76%	103	114,912 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1996 · 1840cc Petrol

£2,561/year

76%

same

BMW 3 Series

1996 · 1896cc Petrol

£2,411/year

82%

+6%

Volkswagen Golf

1996 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,561/year

74%

-2%

Mercedes E

1994 · 2199cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+3%

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About the 1994 Toyota RAV4

The 1994 Toyota RAV4 is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 103 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1994, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 114,912 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota RAV4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1994 Toyota RAV4 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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1994 Toyota RAV4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 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 RAV4 Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota RAV4s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1994 Toyota RAV4

At 32 years old, the Toyota RAV4 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 32 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.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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

Watch out

With an average of 115k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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 1994 Toyota RAV4 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Toyota RAV4(1994)	76%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1996)	76%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1996)	82%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
Volkswagen Golf(1996)	74%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
Mercedes E(1994)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1994 Toyota RAV4

Is the 1994 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1994 Toyota RAV4s ended in a pass, from 103 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1994 Toyota RAV4 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1994 Toyota RAV4?

76% of 103 MOT tests on the 1994 Toyota RAV4 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 115th of 204 models first registered in 1994 (bottom half).

Which year Toyota RAV4 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 1997 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1994 Toyota RAV4?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1994 Toyota RAV4 is 114,912 miles, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.