2003 Toyota HI-Ace: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Toyota HI-Ace?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Toyota HI-Ace than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.4× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  21.2% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.6%, against 3.1% of all 2003 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.

• Wheel bearings3.4× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  13% All 2003 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 1.3% of all 2003 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes5.2× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  10.4% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.5% of all 2003 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.

• Body structure rust or damage3.3× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  10.2% All 2003 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.9% of all 2003 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 damage2.9× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  10.4% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.1% of all 2003 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.

Common 2003 Toyota HI-Ace MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Toyota HI-Ace MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  35% 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.

• Tyres
  23% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  21% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  17% 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 2003 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 3.4× as often on the 2003 Toyota HI-Ace as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2003 Toyota HI-Ace as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2003 Toyota HI-Ace as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?