Toyota Starlet (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 30 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,960

£163/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

999cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £1,960/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol999cc35 years old30 tests94k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 999cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,960

Per month£163/mo

Per week£38/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

73% of MOT tests on Toyota Starlets from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 30 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 94,320 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models137th of 172(bottom 21%)

Rank among Toyota models857th of 970(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average-6%(79% avg)

vs Toyota average-11%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

94,320

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Toyota Starlet had 94,320 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 75%. The 1991 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Starlet by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2017	86%	37	60,314 mi
2008	85%	60	126,718 mi
2007	84%	62	124,435 mi
2006	83%	60	128,073 mi
2005	80%	46	118,635 mi
2001	60%	35	116,855 mi
1999	76%	1,702	89,976 mi
1998	75%	3,819	93,420 mi
1997	76%	2,547	91,040 mi
1996	77%	1,119	92,042 mi
1995	79%	80	89,571 mi
1994	82%	83	102,032 mi
1993	89%	36	85,812 mi
1991	73%	30	94,320 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Rover Mini

1990 · 998cc Petrol

£1,810/year

80%

+7%

Peugeot 205

1990 · 1360cc Petrol

£2,033/year

80%

+7%

Nissan Figaro

1991 · 980cc Petrol

£1,960/year

79%

+6%

Ford Fiesta

1991 · 999cc Petrol

£1,810/year

84%

+11%

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About the 1991 Toyota Starlet

The 1991 Toyota Starlet is a city car. Our records list a 999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 30 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 21% of 1991 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 94,320 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Starlet owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1991 Toyota Starlet Fuel Costs

The modest 999cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 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 1991 Toyota Starlet?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,960 (£163/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Starlet Reliability Trend

The Toyota Starlet has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 1991 Toyota Starlet

At 35 years old, the Toyota Starlet 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 77%. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 94k 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 1991 Toyota Starlet 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 Starlet(1991)	73%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,960
Rover Mini(1990)	80%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810-£150
Peugeot 205(1990)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033+£73
Nissan Figaro(1991)	79%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,960same
Ford Fiesta(1991)	84%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810-£150

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 1991 Toyota Starlet

Is the 1991 Toyota Starlet reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 1991 Toyota Starlets ended in a pass, from 30 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Toyota Starlet cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,960 a year (£163 a month): £1,175 fuel, £230 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 1991 Toyota Starlet?

73% of 30 MOT tests on the 1991 Toyota Starlet ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 137th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (bottom 21%).

Which year Toyota Starlet has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 Toyota Starlet has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 1998 the lowest at 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 Toyota Starlet?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Toyota Starlet is 94,320 miles, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.