Toyota Starlet (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 46 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,003

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1332cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,003/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Toyota Starlet

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol1332cc21 years old46 tests119k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1332cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,003

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

80% of MOT tests on Toyota Starlets from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 46 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 118,635 miles.

Got a Toyota Starlet you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models141st of 504(top half)

Rank among Toyota models601st of 970(bottom half)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+8%(72% avg)

vs Toyota average-4%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

118,635

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Toyota Starlet had 118,635 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific Toyota Starlet?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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 2005 scores 80%. 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

Ford Focus

2007 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-7%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

same

MINI

2007 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-7%

Peugeot 207

2007 · 1360cc Petrol

£2,353/year

69%

-11%

Check a Specific Toyota Starlet

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 Starlet

The 2005 Toyota Starlet is a small family car. Our records list a 1332cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 46 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 118,635 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Starlet owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 Toyota Starlet Fuel Costs

The 1332cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 2005 Toyota Starlet?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,003 (£167/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2005 Toyota Starlet

At 21 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 46 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.

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 119k 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 2005 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(2005)	80%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,003
Ford Focus(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£225
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361+£358
MINI(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£225
Peugeot 207(2007)	69%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353+£350

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 2005 Toyota Starlet

Is the 2005 Toyota Starlet reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2005 Toyota Starlets ended in a pass, from 46 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Toyota Starlet cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,003 a year (£167 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Toyota Starlet?

80% of 46 MOT tests on the 2005 Toyota Starlet ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 141st of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top half).

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 2005 Toyota Starlet?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Toyota Starlet is 118,635 miles, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.