1995 Toyota HI-Ace: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Toyota HI-Ace first registered in 1995: we looked at the 193 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 193 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Toyota HI-Ace?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Toyota HI-Ace than on all cars registered in 1995.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usualToyota HI-Ace20.2% All 1995 cars7.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 13%, against 4.2% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Common 1995 Toyota HI-Ace MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1995 Toyota HI-Ace MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% 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 electrics43% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes37% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions23% 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.
- Tyres21% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors19% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 Toyota HI-Ace
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1995 Toyota HI-Ace as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Toyota HI-Ace?
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 HI-Ace compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 110 | Suspension 35% |
| 2015 | 174 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2013 | 143 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 2012 | 181 | Lights and electrics 31% |
| 2011 | 1,152 | Lights and electrics 32% |
| 2010 | 1,916 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2009 | 2,094 | Suspension 35% |
| 2008 | 3,649 | Suspension 39% |
| 2007 | 4,039 | Suspension 41% |
| 2006 | 1,460 | Suspension 43% |
| 2005 | 1,043 | Suspension 48% |
| 2004 | 958 | Suspension 48% |
| 2003 | 872 | Suspension 51% |
| 2002 | 585 | Suspension 49% |
| 2001 | 839 | Suspension 49% |
| 2000 | 721 | Suspension 55% |
| 1999 | 945 | Suspension 54% |
| 1998 | 927 | Suspension 52% |
| 1997 | 517 | Suspension 48% |
| 1996 | 323 | Suspension 46% |
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 HI-Ace cars first registered in 1995. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score