2009 Toyota HI-Ace: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Toyota HI-Ace?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Toyota HI-Ace than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes16.1× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  11.3% All 2009 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.2% of all 2009 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.5× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  18% All 2009 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Wheel bearings4.1× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  8.6% All 2009 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.8% of all 2009 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions4.3× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  4.3% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Wipers1.8× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  6.5% All 2009 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2009 Toyota HI-Ace MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Toyota HI-Ace MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  35% 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
  34% 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
  30% 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
  24% 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
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  7% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 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 anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 16.1× as often on the 2009 Toyota HI-Ace as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2009 Toyota HI-Ace as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2009 Toyota HI-Ace as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?