2008 Toyota Alphard petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Toyota Alphard first registered in 2008 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 205 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 205 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2008 Toyota Alphard petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 Toyota Alphard petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension25% 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.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Lights and electrics20% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes19% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints3% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Toyota Alphard petrol
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 Toyota Alphard?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Toyota Alphard compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2021 | 1,269 | Suspension 35% |
| 2020 | 1,410 | Suspension 36% |
| 2019 | 1,176 | Suspension 37% |
| 2018 | 1,286 | Suspension 37% |
| 2017 | 1,456 | Suspension 40% |
| 2016 | 1,238 | Suspension 41% |
| 2015 | 936 | Suspension 43% |
| 2014 | 493 | Suspension 27% |
| 2013 | 664 | Suspension 20% |
| 2012 | 846 | Suspension 19% |
| 2011 | 484 | Suspension 23% |
| 2010 | 1,154 | Suspension 25% |
| 2009 | 869 | Suspension 21% |
| 2007 | 4,438 | Suspension 32% |
| 2006 | 3,981 | Suspension 32% |
| 2005 | 2,506 | Suspension 37% |
| 2004 | 2,383 | Suspension 38% |
| 2003 | 1,351 | Suspension 39% |
| 2002 | 445 | Suspension 40% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Toyota Alphard cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score