1997 Toyota HI-Ace diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Toyota HI-Ace diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Toyota HI-Ace diesel than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.4× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  19.4% All 1997 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 4.5% of all 1997 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.

• Body structure rust or damage3× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  15.3% All 1997 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1.6% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Chassis rust or damage2.2× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  13.1% All 1997 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes3.7× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  8.5% All 1997 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.5% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  10.7% All 1997 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.5% of all 1997 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 1997 Toyota HI-Ace diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Toyota HI-Ace diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% 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.

• Brakes
  38% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% 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
  25% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% 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 1997 Toyota HI-Ace diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1997 Toyota HI-Ace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 1997 Toyota HI-Ace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1997 Toyota HI-Ace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?