TOYOTA STARLET (2006)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 60 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1300cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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.
Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1300cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this TOYOTA STARLET
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 20 years old, 83% of TOYOTA STARLETs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 60 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 128,073 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?
Mileage Analysis
128,073
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2006 TOYOTA STARLET has 128,073 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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?
The most reliable year is the 2008 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2006 sits between the two at 83%.
TOYOTA STARLET by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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 2006 TOYOTA STARLET
The 2006 TOYOTA STARLET is a small family car with a 1300cc petrol engine. 60 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 2006 cars for reliability.
With an average of 128,073 miles at 20 years old, TOYOTA STARLET owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2006 TOYOTA STARLET Fuel Costs
The 1300cc 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 2006 TOYOTA STARLET?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% 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 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2006 TOYOTA STARLET
At 20 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 2008 model has the highest pass rate at 85%. Note: with only 60 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2006 TOYOTA STARLET's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 128k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2006 TOYOTA STARLET stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA STARLET(2006) | 83% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| FORD FOCUS(2008) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2008) | 73% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867+£130 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Toyota Models
Explore other Toyota cars or similar models in the same category.
TOYOTA YARIS
2013 · 1330cc Petrol
TOYOTA AYGO
2015 · 998cc Petrol
TOYOTA PRIUS
2019 · 1797cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2008 · 1388cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2008 · 1596cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2008 · 1229cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Toyota Starlet.
Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026 (Data From 50M Real MOT Tests)
11 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific TOYOTA STARLET
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a TOYOTA STARLET? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data