2011 Toyota HI-Ace diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Toyota HI-Ace diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Toyota HI-Ace diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Rigid brake pipes3.2× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  18% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1% of all 2011 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes16.7× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  10% All 2011 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.2% of all 2011 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.

• Wheel bearings3.9× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  6.6% All 2011 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.7% of all 2011 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 emissions4.8× usual
  Toyota HI-Ace

  2.9% All 2011 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.5% of all 2011 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.

Common 2011 Toyota HI-Ace diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Toyota HI-Ace diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  28% 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
  27% 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
  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
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% 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 2011 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2011 Toyota HI-Ace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 16.7× as often on the 2011 Toyota HI-Ace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2011 Toyota HI-Ace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?