2017 Toyota Estima petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Toyota Estima petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Toyota Estima petrol than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Headlights8.1× usual
  Toyota Estima

  9.7% All 2017 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Steering swivel joints26.7× usual
  Toyota Estima

  8% All 2017 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Rear fog light15.3× usual
  Toyota Estima

  4.6% All 2017 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 0.3% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Number plate lights3.1× usual
  Toyota Estima

  6.2% All 2017 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.6% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Link ball joint covers13× usual
  Toyota Estima

  3.9% All 2017 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.2% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2017 Toyota Estima petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Toyota Estima petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  25% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  21% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  18% 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.

• Brakes
  17% 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 mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Toyota Estima petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 8.1× as often on the 2017 Toyota Estima petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 26.7× as often on the 2017 Toyota Estima petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 15.3× as often on the 2017 Toyota Estima petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?