1993 Toyota MR2 2.0L Petrol · L100 ACO

This Toyota MR2 passed its most recent MOT test on July 20, 2024, with no defects recorded—though the preceding test on June 14, 2023, resulted in a failure despite no listed faults. The lack of specific failure details makes it impossible to confirm whether this was a procedural error or an undocumented issue, but the subsequent retest just five days later suggests no major mechanical concerns were present. The vehicle has maintained a clean MOT history since then, with no advisories or recurring problems, indicating stable roadworthiness for the period covered. However, the 2023 failure—despite identical mileage—raises a minor red flag about administrative consistency or potential undetected wear that was overlooked. The recorded mileage of 172,830 miles over 33 years equates to an average of just over 5,200 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2023 failure and the 2024 pass—where mileage remained static at 172,363 miles—implies the car may have spent extended periods stationary, possibly in storage. This could contribute to issues like dry-rotted seals, degraded fluids, or corrosion from prolonged exposure. The lack of mileage progression between tests also makes it difficult to assess wear rates on high-mileage components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or drivetrain joints. Given the sparse MOT record, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of critical areas that are not always captured in standard tests. The suspension—particularly the rear subframe and bushings—should be examined for excessive play or cracking, as rear-wheel-drive MR2s are prone to bush wear over 170,000 miles. Binding calipers or uneven brake disc wear could indicate past neglect, even if not flagged in MOTs. Structural integrity is another concern; the chassis and wheel arches should be checked for corrosion, especially around the rear subframe and lower control arms, where salt ingress is common. Finally, the engine bay should be inspected for fluid leaks, degraded hoses, or signs of overheating, as the 2023 failure might have been a near-miss for a more serious issue.