1996 Daihatsu Hijet: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Daihatsu Hijet first registered in 1996: we looked at the 103 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 103 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1996 Daihatsu Hijet MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1996 Daihatsu Hijet MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics35% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes31% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension26% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Exhaust and emissions25% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Rust and bodywork17% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Tyres16% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Daihatsu Hijet
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Daihatsu Hijet?
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Other years
Every year of the Daihatsu Hijet compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 242 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 2002 | 335 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 2001 | 263 | Lights and electrics 39% |
| 2000 | 273 | Brakes 40% |
| 1999 | 371 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 1998 | 233 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 1997 | 230 | Brakes 43% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Daihatsu Hijet cars first registered in 1996. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score