1998 Toyota Starlet 1.3L Petrol · S465 AHR
1998 Toyota Starlet (1.3L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 132,888 miles. MOT valid until 15 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA STARLET
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 15 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 132,888 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
S465 AHR Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 16/12/2025
- 132,888 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S465 AHR 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 (S465 AHR) between May 2023 and December 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 16 December 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: Lighting (11 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Windscreen (4 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 20 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: “Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”; “Offside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”; “Offside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))”.
S465 AHR Mileage History
- 20/05/2023114,501 mi
- 20/06/2024124,192 mi+9,691 mi
- 23/11/2024124,210 mi+18 mi
- 19/11/2025132,411 mi+8,201 mi
- 16/12/2025132,888 mi+477 mi
Average of roughly 7,136 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
A thorough inspection of the underside is essential, specifically focusing on the offside rear suspension mounting area where significant corrosion was noted in June 2024. You should also check the current state of the steering rack inner joints, as play was recorded in late 2024.
Negotiate based on the frequency of repairs required for wheel bearings and shock absorbers, which have appeared as recurring advisories or failures. Ensure the recent November 2025 failure (covering wheel bearings, brakes, and a distorted wheel) has been fully rectified with documented receipts, rather than just a 'pass' on the subsequent December test.
As a 1.3L petrol vehicle, running costs for this Starlet are likely to be relatively low in terms of fuel economy and insurance groups. However, maintenance costs may be unpredictable due to the age of the vehicle and the recurring nature of the component failures seen in the MOT records.
Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and typical maintenance, are expected to be in the moderate range for a vehicle of this age, but budget extra for potential suspension and braking repairs.
Prioritise a close inspection of the chassis and sills; the 2024 MOT failure specifically highlighted excessive corrosion on the offside rear suspension component mounting. This is a structural concern that must be addressed.
Check the wheel bearings and braking system thoroughly. The vehicle has a history of bearing play and binding brakes, with a failure in November 2025 specifically citing excessive play in both rear bearings and an inoperative parking brake. Additionally, inspect the shock absorbers for oil misting and the steering rack for any sign of play in the inner joints.
This 1998 Toyota Starlet has covered 132,888 miles since its first registration in August 1998. The MOT history reveals a pattern of frequent failures, most notably a significant corrosion issue on the offside rear suspension mounting in 2024. Recent tests also indicate ongoing issues with wheel bearings, braking components, and lighting.
No aggregate reliability data is currently available for the Toyota Starlet to provide a comparative baseline.
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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