1996 Toyota Carina: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Toyota Carina?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Toyota Carina than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Anti-roll bar link joints10.3× usual
  Toyota Carina

  13.4% All 1996 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.3% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Toyota Carina

  26.4% All 1996 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Number plates3.1× usual
  Toyota Carina

  15.7% All 1996 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.7% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.4× usual
  Toyota Carina

  14.6% All 1996 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 1.8% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3× usual
  Toyota Carina

  13% All 1996 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13%, against 4.2% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 1996 Toyota Carina MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Toyota Carina MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  43% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  26% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Lights and electrics
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Toyota Carina

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 10.3× as often on the 1996 Toyota Carina as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1996 Toyota Carina as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1996 Toyota Carina as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?