Used car guide

1993 Toyota MR2: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Toyota MR2 first registered in 1993: we looked at the 882 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

882MOTs of 1993 cars, done in 2023–2025
64%pass first time (all 1993 cars: 68%)
3,600typical miles a year
3.9×the usual rate for exhaust emissions (catalyst)

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 Toyota MR2?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 Toyota MR2 than on all cars registered in 1993.

  • Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.9× usual
    Toyota MR2
    15.5% All 1993 cars
    4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 15.5%, against 3.9% of all 1993 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.

  • Steering rack2.9× usual
    Toyota MR2
    5.8% All 1993 cars
    2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.1% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Better than most

Chassis rust or damage: 2.5% here, against 5% of all 1993 cars.

Common 1993 Toyota MR2 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 Toyota MR2 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    32% 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
    30% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    28% 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.

  • 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
    18% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Tyres
    18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1993 Toyota MR2

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

  1. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 1993 Toyota MR2 as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 1993 Toyota MR2 as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Toyota MR2?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Toyota MR2 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2007132Suspension 36%
20062,200Brakes 35%
20052,482Brakes 36%
20043,482Brakes 37%
20033,648Brakes 37%
20023,100Brakes 40%
20012,634Brakes 40%
20002,785Brakes 38%
1999890Suspension 30%
19981,220Brakes 29%
1997787Brakes 33%
1996621Brakes 28%
1995519Brakes 34%
1994609Brakes 30%
1992902Suspension 37%
1991733Suspension 37%
1990746Suspension 33%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Toyota MR2 cars first registered in 1993. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score