2003 Toyota Hilux: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Toyota Hilux?

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

• Wheel bearings4.5× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  17.1% All 2003 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, 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.

• Chassis rust or damage4.6× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  16.5% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, 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.

• Rear fog light6.1× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  9.7% All 2003 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  14.4% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2003 Toyota Hilux MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  45% 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
  43% 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
  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.

• Rust and bodywork
  24% 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
  17% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  14% 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 2003 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 4.5× as often on the 2003 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2003 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the 2003 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?