2004 Toyota Celica 1.8L Petrol · FM04 WTC

The Toyota Celica’s most recent MOT, conducted on 25 September 2025 at 136,880 miles, confirms it passed without any recorded defects, maintaining a consistent clean history across the last four annual tests. There is no evidence of recurring mechanical issues, and the absence of advisories or failings suggests the vehicle has been reliably maintained within the standard MOT parameters. However, the single failed test on 3 October 2022—though without defects logged—stands out as an anomaly, though it does not indicate a trend. The vehicle’s roadworthiness status remains stable, but the gap between the 2022 failure and subsequent passes (a 11-month interval) warrants scrutiny of whether any unrecorded repairs or inspections occurred during that period. The recorded mileage of 144,880 miles over 22 years reflects an average of approximately 6,585 miles annually, which aligns with typical usage patterns for a vehicle of this age. There are no abrupt spikes or prolonged periods of inactivity to suggest neglect or excessive wear beyond expected consumption. The most notable gap in mileage data is between the 2022 failure (52,000 miles) and the 2023 pass (58,000 miles), a 6,000-mile increase over 11 months—slightly above the average annual rate—but not alarming. The consistency of the mileage suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly rather than stored, which could mitigate some wear concerns. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear components that are not routinely tested under MOT standards. The suspension, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, should be examined for excessive play or corrosion, as this model is prone to bush deterioration over 20 years. Brake systems—especially the rear calipers and discs—require close attention, as the 2022 failure (though unrecorded) could hint at past binding or uneven wear. Structural integrity, particularly around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe, must be assessed for corrosion, as the Celica’s bodywork is susceptible to rust in high-moisture environments. Finally, the exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or sagging, as emissions-related failures are not always captured in MOT reports.