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TOYOTA MR2 Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 1,347 MOT tests from 64 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every TOYOTA MR2 has the same fault.

TOYOTA MR2's have a slightly over average reliability rating of 512/999. The score was calculated from the average of every TOYOTA MR2 that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the TOYOTA MR2.

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Check a Toyota Mr2 before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Toyota Mr2 side view
  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
N/AN/A690/999Good113,452 miles604 vehicles
N/AN/A474/999Average87,168 miles1,242 vehicles
N/AN/A473/999Average87,212 miles656 vehicles
N/AN/A463/999Average91,691 miles1,018 vehicles
N/AN/A462/999Average90,590 miles838 vehicles

How reliable is the TOYOTA MR2?

Based on 1,347 MOT tests from 64 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

64

MOT tests

1,347

Pass rate

71.6%

Median mileage

94,415 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every TOYOTA MR2 has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 487 out of 999.

Common TOYOTA MR2 MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 163 advisory comments and 32 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Parking brake faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 21 advisory comments and 142 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a parking brake that did not hold well enough or had a component defect.

What to inspect

Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Example MOT wording: PARKING BRAKE: EFFICIENCY BELOW REQUIREMENTS (3.7.B.7)

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 89 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT COIL SPRING CORRODED (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 50 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Windscreen damage

VehicleScore MOT data includes 15 advisory comments and 22 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record chips, cracks, or other windscreen damage in the driver’s view.

What to inspect

Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

Example MOT wording: WINDSCREEN HAS DAMAGE TO AN AREA LESS THAN A 40MM CIRCLE OUTSIDE ZONE 'A' (8.3.1D)

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 27 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))

Emissions test issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 25 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an exhaust emissions result. They are counted separately from a warning lamp or a catalytic converter note.

What to inspect

Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST EMISSIONS CARBON MONOXIDE CONTENT AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE EXCESSIVE (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust

VehicleScore MOT data includes 14 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record exhaust leaks, insecurity, or other exhaust defects found at inspection.

What to inspect

Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST HAS A MINOR LEAK OF EXHAUST GASES (7.1.2)

TOYOTA MR2 MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

YearVehiclesMOT testsPass rateRecurring issues seen
2006612580.8%Coil spring issues, Parking brake faults
2004713775.9%Brake disc wear, Coil spring issues
2003615470.1%Tyre wear, Parking brake faults
2000613672.8%Parking brake faults, Tyre wear
1998510279.4%Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
1993512365.9%Tyre wear, Parking brake faults

What to check when buying a used TOYOTA MR2

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Parking brake faults. Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

  • Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

  • Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

  • Windscreen damage. Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

  • Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

  • Emissions test issues. Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

  • Exhaust. Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

Buying a TOYOTA MR2?

Common problems tell you what can affect TOYOTA MR2s generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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