Toyota Mr2 (1993)

3,647 real MOT outcomes analysed • 62.7% first-time pass rate

1993 Toyota Mr2

CarHunch analysed 3,647 real MOT records for the 1993 Toyota Mr2. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 1993 MR2 is a concern on reliability: just 62.7% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, and nearly three in ten have experienced a dangerous defect—a serious red flag for a buyer. This isn't a case of age alone; these cars are racking up an average of 3.4 failures and 11.1 advisories per test, suggesting systemic issues beyond normal wear.

At 109,700 miles on average, these MR2s show typical mileage for their age, so high failure rates aren't simply down to neglected, high-mileage examples. Before buying, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on brake systems, suspension, and anything flagged as dangerous in its MOT history—this generation clearly needs particular attention to stay safe and roadworthy.

Below average reliability 17.3% below UK average
62.7%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
108,723
typical mileage
87,344–131,198 middle half
28.5%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
3.4
avg MOT failures per car
over 9.9 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1993 Toyota Mr2

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 28.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Toyota Mr2

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 3,624 62.7% 3.41
Other (1%) 19 72.4% 1.42
Diesel (0%) 3 55.7% 3
LPG (0%) 1 0% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 1993 Toyota Mr2 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

87,344
low mileage
108,723
typical
131,198
high mileage

Half of all 1993 Toyota Mr2 vehicles fall between 87,344 and 131,198 miles.

1993 Toyota Mr2 — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 364 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (37% of peak).

981 364 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.

MOT History Averages

9.9
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.4
Avg failures per vehicle
11.1
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1993 Toyota Mr2

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 80%
    Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
  • 57.9%
    Oil leak
  • 46.8%
    Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive
  • 45%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 42.2%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 37%
    Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits
  • 31.5%
    Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 31.3%
    Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1993. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Toyota Mr2?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Toyota Mr2:

1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006