# Toyota Mirai — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Toyota Mirai on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/toyota-mirai

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2021
- **Ideal trim**: Design
- **Target mileage**: 20,000–40,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £25,000

## Why this model

⚠️ Limited UK data — The Toyota Mirai is a niche Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle with very low sales volume in the UK, so we have extremely limited MOT tests and resale history compared to conventional cars. The Mirai is a truly unique car, offering zero tailpipe emissions and the ability to refuel in minutes, much like a petrol car. It's incredibly smooth, quiet, and comfortable, with Toyota's legendary build quality and reliability. However, its biggest hurdle in the UK is the almost non-existent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. If you live near one of the very few stations and are committed to the technology, it's a fascinating and forward-thinking choice. Otherwise, it's a very impractical option for most.

## What you should pay

The Mirai was very expensive new, even with government grants. On the used market, its value is heavily impacted by the lack of hydrogen infrastructure, making it a very niche and difficult car to sell. Prices have plummeted significantly from new. Expect a 2021 model to be in the £20,000-£30,000 range, but prices can vary wildly due to scarcity and demand (or lack thereof). This is a very specific purchase for someone committed to the FCEV concept and with access to refuelling.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Design' trim offers excellent value as it comes very well-equipped as standard, including a large infotainment screen, heated seats, and Toyota's comprehensive safety suite. The 'Excel' trim adds some luxuries like larger wheels and a head-up display, but given the car's niche appeal and the primary challenge being fuel, the core 'Design' model provides all the essential features without the extra cost that won't significantly improve resale or usability.

## What to check before you buy

- Limited hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the UK
- High cost of hydrogen fuel compared to electricity for EVs
- Potential for complexity in the fuel cell system over very long term (though Toyota reliability is strong)

## Running costs

Running costs for the Mirai are dominated by hydrogen fuel. At typical UK prices (£10-£16 per kg), a full 5.6kg tank for 400 miles could cost £56-£90, equating to 14p-22.5p per mile. This is often more expensive than charging an EV at home. Road tax for EVs (which FCEVs are treated as) is free until April 2025, then £195 per year. Insurance will likely be moderate to high due to the car's complexity and rarity. Servicing should be reasonable, benefiting from Toyota's network, but specialist FCEV components could be costly if needed.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Hydrogen Fuel Cell
- **Horsepower**: 182 hp
- **Mpg**: Up to 400 miles range (WLTP) per tank (approx. 5.6 kg hydrogen)
- **Reliability Score**: Excellent (Toyota's reputation, but FCEV complexity is a factor)
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2021)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Design | £66,000 | £25,000 | 19-inch alloy wheels; 12.3-inch multimedia system; Heated front seats |
| Excel | £72,000 | £28,500 | 20-inch alloy wheels; Head-up display; Panoramic View Monitor |
| Base Model (Generic) | £66,000 | £23,000 | Standard features for a well-equipped FCEV; Advanced climate control; Keyless entry and start |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £25,000 | 100% |
| 2027 | £23,000 | 92% |
| 2028 | £21,000 | 84% |
| 2029 | £19,000 | 76% |
| 2030 | £17,000 | 68% |

The Mirai has already experienced massive depreciation from new due to its niche technology and the severe lack of hydrogen infrastructure in the UK. The 'sweet spot' for buying is now, as it's unlikely to lose value at the same rapid rate it did in its first few years. However, its value will continue to decline steadily as it remains a very difficult car to sell, and the hydrogen ecosystem isn't expanding quickly enough to support it.

Total value lost since new: 65%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Electric)
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range (Electric)
- BMW i4 eDrive40 (Electric)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.