1999 Toyota Starlet 1.3L Petrol · S471 BMA
1999 Toyota Starlet (1.3L, petrol). First registered 29 Jan 1999. Recorded mileage 174,390 miles. MOT valid until 16 Sept 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA STARLET
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 16 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 174,390 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
S471 BMA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 09/09/2026
- 174,390 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S471 BMA 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 1999 Toyota Starlet (S471 BMA) between September 2024 and September 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 09 September 2026 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: Suspension (6 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 17 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 Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))”; “Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))”; “Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases silencer (6.1.2 (a))”.
S471 BMA Mileage History
- 17/09/2024146,493 mi
- 26/08/2025159,246 mi+12,753 mi
- 01/09/2025159,448 mi+202 mi
- 08/09/2026174,345 mi+14,897 mi
- 09/09/2026174,390 mi+45 mi
Average of roughly 14,117 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
Proceed with caution. While the vehicle
Focus your attention on the chassis and suspension. The September 2024 MOT highlighted corrosion on both front and rear coil springs; you should verify if these have since been replaced or if the rust has worsened. Additionally, check that the four tyres flagged as worn close to the legal limit in 2024 have been replaced with quality rubber.
Request evidence of the repairs made during the August 2025 failure, specifically the replacement of the offside front CV boot and the exhaust silencer. Given the oil leak noted in 2023, a thorough inspection of the engine bay for fresh leaks is essential before purchase.
The 1332cc petrol engine is designed for efficiency, though fuel economy will be lower than modern equivalents. Tax and insurance are generally low for this model, but these are offset by the maintenance requirements of a vehicle from 1999.
Annual costs will be heavily influenced by the need for preventative maintenance to address the age-related corrosion and wear seen in the MOT history. Expect higher-than-average spending on suspension components and exhaust repairs.
Inspect the exhaust system and the offside front CV boot to ensure the 2025 repairs were carried out to a professional standard. Pay close attention to the coil springs and suspension linkages, as these were specifically flagged for corrosion and wear in 2024.
Check the engine for oil leaks, referencing the 2023 advisory. Finally, test all external lighting, including the registration plate and stop lamps, which have caused multiple failures in the recent history.
This green 1999 Toyota Starlet has recorded 159,448 miles. The MOT history shows a series of failures in 2024 and 2025 involving exhaust leaks, CV boots, and lighting. There are also recurring advisories regarding corrosion on the coil springs and an engine oil leak.
Aggregate MOT data is unavailable for the Toyota Starlet, but it is a long-established small petrol model.
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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