Official DVLA Record

1998 Toyota Starlet 1.3L Petrol · R490 GCA

R490 GCA

1998 Toyota Starlet (1.3L, petrol). First registered 01/06/1998. Recorded mileage 106,749 miles. MOT status: Expired.

Make & Model
TOYOTA STARLET
Year / Origin
1998 · Reading
MOT Status
Valid until 29/07/2026
Road Tax
Recorded Mileage
106,749 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.3L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Valid until 29/07/2026
Tax Status
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Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
1998
Engine
1332cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 2025-07-30 at 106,749 miles showed no defects, indicating a stable roadworthiness status. However, prior tests reveal inconsistency: a failure on 2023-12-14 at 100,883 miles and another on 2022-10-05 at 93,360 miles, both with no recorded defects. These failures suggest potential issues that were resolved before subsequent passes, but the lack of detailed defect reports limits clarity. The recent pass implies the car is currently compliant, though the pattern of intermittent failures raises questions about underlying maintenance practices. The vehicle’s mileage of 106,749 miles over 28 years equates to approximately 3,812 miles annually, significantly lower than typical usage. This suggests periods of inactivity, which can accelerate wear on components like seals, batteries, and suspension bushes due to prolonged static load. Notably, the gap between the 2023-12-15 pass (100,884 miles) and the 2025-07-30 test (106,749 miles) spans 18 months, during which mileage increased by 5,865 miles. Such a slow accumulation may indicate infrequent use, increasing the risk of corrosion or degraded fluids. The MOT history lacks detailed advisories, but the low mileage and sparse records necessitate closer scrutiny of mechanical systems. A buyer should prioritise inspecting the suspension for worn bushes or coil springs, as low-mileage vehicles often suffer from static deformation. The absence of brake-related defects in recent tests is reassuring, but older models like this may still have binding calipers or corroded brake discs requiring attention. Structural integrity should be verified, particularly underbody rust, which can develop in parked vehicles. Additionally, the exhaust system and emissions components warrant scrutiny, as prolonged inactivity may affect catalytic converter efficiency. While the MOT records show no critical failures, the car’s age and usage pattern demand a thorough pre-purchase inspection to confirm its mechanical soundness.

R490 GCA Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 30/07/2025
  • 106,749 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
45
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average

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.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
! Average MOT pass rate (60%)
! Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for R490GCA

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Stolen
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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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Technical Specifications

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R490 GCA Mileage History

  1. 05/10/202293,360 mi
  2. 05/10/202293,360 mi
  3. 14/12/2023100,883 mi+7,523 mi
  4. 15/12/2023100,884 mi+1 mi
  5. 30/07/2025106,749 mi+5,865 mi

Average of roughly 4,752 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

R490 GCA MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 29 Jul 2026, 02:00
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Toyota Starlet (R490 GCA) between October 2022 and July 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 30 July 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY