TOYOTA SERA (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 32 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
53%
Total Tests (2024)
32
Avg Mileage
135,459 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 1990 TOYOTA SERA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 29 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 34 years old, 53% of TOYOTA SERAs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 135,459 miles.
How does the 1990 TOYOTA SERA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 TOYOTA SERA has 135,459 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
How much does a 1990 TOYOTA SERA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Checking a specific TOYOTA SERA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 TOYOTA SERA
The 1990 TOYOTA SERA is a small family car with a 1500cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 1990 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 135,459 miles at 34 years old, TOYOTA SERA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1990 TOYOTA SERA Fuel Costs
The 1500cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1990 TOYOTA SERA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 53% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 1990 TOYOTA SERA
At 34 years old, the TOYOTA SERA 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 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1990 TOYOTA SERA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (+27%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (+31%) from 3,316 tests
- ROVER MINI (1991) 80% pass rate (+27%) from 2,744 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+32%) from 2,672 tests