1999 Toyota Picnic petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Toyota Picnic petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Toyota Picnic petrol than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Engine oil leaks2.7× usual
  Toyota Picnic

  39.9% All 1999 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.5× usual
  Toyota Picnic

  17.7% All 1999 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Coil springs2.3× usual
  Toyota Picnic

  18.2% All 1999 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 1.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

Common 1999 Toyota Picnic petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Toyota Picnic petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  41% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Brakes
  26% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  25% 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 an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Toyota Picnic petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1999 Toyota Picnic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 1999 Toyota Picnic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1999 Toyota Picnic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?