1993 Toyota Previa: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Toyota Previa first registered in 1993: we looked at the 111 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 111 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 Toyota Previa?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 Toyota Previa than on all cars registered in 1993.
- Rigid brake pipes2.6× usualToyota Previa31.5% All 1993 cars12.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 1.8% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt 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.
Common 1993 Toyota Previa MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1993 Toyota Previa MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% 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.
- Brakes43% 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.
- Lights and electrics32% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks29% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors24% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1993 Toyota Previa
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1993 Toyota Previa as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Toyota Previa?
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 Previa compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | 108 | Lights and electrics 35% |
| 2013 | 164 | Suspension 38% |
| 2012 | 135 | Suspension 41% |
| 2006 | 1,566 | Suspension 58% |
| 2005 | 1,998 | Suspension 61% |
| 2004 | 2,203 | Suspension 62% |
| 2003 | 1,912 | Suspension 62% |
| 2002 | 1,361 | Suspension 62% |
| 2001 | 1,335 | Suspension 62% |
| 2000 | 518 | Suspension 64% |
| 1999 | 196 | Suspension 44% |
| 1998 | 280 | Suspension 44% |
| 1997 | 294 | Suspension 41% |
| 1996 | 295 | Suspension 50% |
| 1995 | 211 | Suspension 50% |
| 1994 | 109 | Brakes 40% |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | – | 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 Previa cars first registered in 1993. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score