2008 Toyota Hilux: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Toyota Hilux?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Toyota Hilux than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Chassis rust or damage7.7× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  14.6% All 2008 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 0.5% of all 2008 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.2× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  20.8% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.7% of all 2008 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.

• Rear fog light5× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  5% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 0.9% of all 2008 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.

• Braking performance1.7× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  10.9% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2008 Toyota Hilux MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Toyota Hilux MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  41% 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
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  20% 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
  19% 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
  13% 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 2008 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 chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 7.7× as often on the 2008 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2008 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2008 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?