Toyota MR2 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Toyota MR2 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 128 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 117 of 442, and 31.7% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is rbt (sp) (9.8% of tests).
Ranked 117 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 3,458 Toyota MR2s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 31.7% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Toyota MR2 is 22% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
31.7%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
4,500
Typical age at test: 19 years
Toyota MR2 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Toyota MR2 MOT faults
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements9.8% of tests
- Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side4.9% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.1% of tests
- Position lamp: not working3.0% of tests
- Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value2.9% of tests
- Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.5% of tests
What the Toyota MR2 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 17.8% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 10.7% | ▼ 45% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 7.8% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Suspension | 7.5% | ▼ 50% less often |
| Visibility | 3.8% | ▼ 48% less often |
| Tyres | 3.6% | ▼ 41% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.1% | ▼ 73% less often |
| Steering | 1.2% | ▼ 65% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | ▼ 77% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 77% less often |
What MPG does the Toyota MR2 do?
Official economy for the Toyota MR2 ranges from 38.2 to 38.2mpg across the 1 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2006). A typical petrol version manages 38.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Toyota MR2?
Any Toyota MR2 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Toyota MR2 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £360 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carToyota MR2 specs and running costs
Official figures for 1 versions sold in the UK between 2006 and 2006.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
38.2 mpg
CO2
178 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR2 1.8 VVT-iM6 · listed 2006 | Petrol | 38.2 mpg | 178g | £360 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Toyota MR2 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 38.2mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Toyota MR2Buying a used Toyota MR2?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Toyota models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Toyota MR2 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Toyota MR2 is 22% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 128 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Toyota MR2?
The most common MOT fault is “Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements”, found in 9.8% of tests. It fails on brakes more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Toyota MR2 do?
Official economy for the Toyota MR2 ranges from 38.2 to 38.2mpg across the 1 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2006). A typical petrol version manages 38.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Toyota MR2?
Any Toyota MR2 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Toyota MR2 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £360 a year.
›How many Toyota MR2s fail their MOT?
31.7% of Toyota MR2s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Toyota MR2 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.