2001 Toyota MR2 1.8L Petrol · LR51 AEL
2001 Toyota MR2 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 106,942 miles. MOT valid until 04 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA MR2
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 04 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 106,942 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
LR51 AEL Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/12/2025
- 106,942 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
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LR51 AEL Mileage History
- 24/02/2024100,415 mi
- 05/12/2025106,942 mi+6,527 mi
Average of roughly 3,667 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
LR51 AEL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Toyota Mr2 (LR51 AEL) between February 2024 and December 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 3 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A reasonably well-preserved example of a modern classic, though it requires immediate attention to suspension and braking components. Recommended for a buyer who appreciates the MR2's layout and is prepared for the maintenance needs of a 25-year-old sports car.
When inspecting this MR2, focus heavily on the chassis and suspension. The most recent MOT highlights deteriorated dust covers on both front suspension arm ball joints; check if these have been replaced or if the joints themselves are worn. Additionally, the mention of a 'slightly corroded' power steering pipe is a point for negotiation, as these can be costly to replace if they leak.
Review the service history specifically for oil leak repairs. The MOT records from 2010 and 2014 both explicitly mention oil leaks. You should verify that these were permanently resolved and check the engine bay for fresh residue. Given the age and the 'under-trays' mentioned in previous tests, ensure you get a professional underside inspection to check for corrosion, particularly around the coil springs which were flagged as corroded in 2017.
The 1.8L petrol engine offers a balance of performance and efficiency, though as a mid-engined sports car, it will not match modern hybrids. Tax will be based on the 2001 emissions standards, and insurance groups for the MR2 are generally moderate, though this varies by driver profile.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than a standard hatchback due to the mid-engine layout, which makes accessing some components more labour-intensive. Expect annual costs to be influenced by the need for specialist parts as the car enters 'classic' territory.
Priority should be given to the braking system. The vehicle failed its MOTs in 2014 and 2016 due to parking brake inefficiency and lack of effort at the rear wheels. Even though it passed recently, the 2025 advisory regarding 'excessive lever travel' suggests the handbrake remains a weak point.
Inspect the front suspension thoroughly. With both offside and nearside ball joint dust covers flagged as 'severely deteriorated' in December 2025, these are now critical failure points that will likely lead to joint failure if not addressed. Finally, check the tyres; the nearside rear was noted as being close to the legal limit in the last test.
This silver 2001 Toyota MR2 has covered 106,942 miles, showing a steady but low-usage pattern in recent years. While it has a long history of passing MOTs, the most recent test reveals emerging wear on the front suspension ball joint covers and steering pipes. The vehicle's history suggests a recurring struggle with the parking brake system, which has caused multiple failures in the past.
The MR2 is generally regarded as a robust platform, though this specific vehicle shows typical age-related wear in the suspension and braking systems.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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