1998 Toyota Starlet 1.3L Petrol · S937 JAL
1998 Toyota Starlet (1.3L, petrol). First registered 28/08/1998. Recorded mileage 85,638 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/10/2026.
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1332cc
S937 JAL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/08/2025
- 85,638 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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S937 JAL Mileage History
- 18/08/202371,768 mi
- 29/07/202479,024 mi+7,256 mi
- 30/07/202479,026 mi+2 mi
- 07/08/202585,514 mi+6,488 mi
- 14/08/202585,638 mi+124 mi
Average of roughly 6,970 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S937 JAL MOT History
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 (S937 JAL) between August 2023 and August 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 14 August 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”; “Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution but consider this a potentially solid small car if recent repairs are verified. While the mechanical history shows some recurring emission and braking issues, the low mileage for its age is a significant advantage.
Your primary focus should be on the exhaust and emission system. The MOT history shows a recurring failure regarding carbon monoxide levels and Lambda readings (notably in 2024 and 2025), alongside a major exhaust leak. Ask the seller for specific receipts detailing what was done to rectify these issues—replacing an oxygen sensor or fixing an exhaust manifold leak is critical to ensure the problem won't return immediately.
Secondly, check the braking system. The vehicle has suffered from brake imbalance on both the front and rear axles in recent years. Ensure that the brakes have been fully serviced and not just 'patched up' to pass the MOT. Finally, given the age and the 2022 advisory regarding suspension arm corrosion, check the underside of the car for any signs of structural rust that might have progressed.
The 1332cc petrol engine is designed for economy, making this an affordable runaround for urban driving. You can expect relatively low fuel consumption, though driving style will impact this.
Insurance groups for a 1998 Starlet are typically low, making it an ideal choice for newer drivers. Maintenance costs should be modest, as parts for older Toyotas are generally plentiful and inexpensive, though you should budget for periodic replacements of consumables like tyres and shock absorbers, which have appeared in previous advisories.
Start with the exhaust system; look for any signs of recent welding or new components to address the previous major leaks and emission failures. Check the Lambda sensor and ensure the engine idles smoothly without excessive smoke or smells.
Inspect the suspension and steering components closely. There is a documented history of 'misting' shock absorbers (noted in 2017 and 2024) and suspension arm corrosion (2022). A test drive is essential to check for knocks or uneven pulling, which could indicate the brake imbalance or suspension issues mentioned in the MOT history have not been fully resolved.
This 1998 Toyota Starlet is a low-mileage example, having covered 85,638 miles in nearly 28 years. While it has a history of MOT failures related to exhaust emissions and brake imbalance, it has recently passed its test in August 2025. The vehicle represents a classic small petrol engine commuter, though buyers must ensure recent emission repairs were thorough.
While specific aggregate data for the Starlet is unavailable, Toyotas from this era are traditionally known for robust mechanical longevity.
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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