2002 Toyota HI-Ace: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Toyota HI-Ace?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Toyota HI-Ace than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.8× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  19.3% All 2002 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 3.5% of all 2002 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes4.8× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  11.1% All 2002 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.5% of all 2002 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.

• Chassis rust or damage3.1× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  12.5% All 2002 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.3% of all 2002 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.

• Body structure rust or damage3.5× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  11.8% All 2002 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1% of all 2002 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.

• Wheel bearings3.1× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  12.1% All 2002 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 1.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2002 Toyota HI-Ace MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Toyota HI-Ace 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.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  31% 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
  25% 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.

• Tyres
  22% 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 mirrors
  16% 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 2002 Toyota HI-Ace

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 2.8× as often on the 2002 Toyota HI-Ace as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2002 Toyota HI-Ace as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2002 Toyota HI-Ace as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?