1997 Toyota Supra: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Toyota Supra first registered in 1997: we looked at the 105 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 105 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1997 Toyota Supra MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1997 Toyota Supra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes12% 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.
- Suspension11% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks10% 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 emissions10% 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 electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres9% 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 1997 Toyota Supra
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Toyota Supra?
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 Supra compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 277 | Tyres 16% |
| 2021 | 566 | Tyres 18% |
| 2020 | 759 | Tyres 17% |
| 2019 | 414 | Tyres 14% |
| 2007 | 169 | Lights and electrics 18% |
| 2006 | 155 | Lights and electrics 17% |
| 2005 | 280 | Lights and electrics 18% |
| 2004 | 273 | Suspension 18% |
| 2003 | 269 | Brakes 20% |
| 2002 | 138 | Lights and electrics 19% |
| 2001 | 147 | Lights and electrics 15% |
| 2000 | 144 | Suspension 24% |
| 1999 | 231 | Brakes 18% |
| 1998 | 282 | Suspension 22% |
| 1996 | 116 | Suspension 18% |
| 1995 | 188 | Suspension 15% |
| 1994 | 253 | Lights and electrics 14% |
| 1993 | 227 | Brakes 19% |
| 1992 | 111 | Suspension 31% |
| 1991 | 151 | Brakes 31% |
| 1990 | 199 | Suspension 26% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | 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 Supra cars first registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score