1995 Toyota Hilux: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Toyota Hilux?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Toyota Hilux than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Wheel bearings2.2× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  16% All 1995 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.1% of all 1995 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.

• Chassis rust or damage2.4× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  14.1% All 1995 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2.2% of all 1995 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.

• Steering box6× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  7.8% All 1995 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.2% of all 1995 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.

• Number plates2.1× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  9.4% All 1995 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.7% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Drag link end5.7× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  5.1% All 1995 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.3% of all 1995 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. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Common 1995 Toyota Hilux MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 Toyota Hilux MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• 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.

• Suspension
  34% 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.

• 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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.

• Tyres
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 Toyota Hilux

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1995 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1995 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering box? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 1995 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?