1996 Toyota Previa: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Toyota Previa?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Toyota Previa than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Tread depth2× usual
  Toyota Previa

  19% All 1996 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 1% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Toyota Previa

  18.3% All 1996 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.6% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Coil springs2.4× usual
  Toyota Previa

  13.9% All 1996 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.7% of all 1996 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.1× usual
  Toyota Previa

  15.9% All 1996 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 4.3% of all 1996 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 plates2.5× usual
  Toyota Previa

  12.5% All 1996 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.7% of all 1996 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.

Common 1996 Toyota Previa MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Toyota Previa MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  33% 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.

• Tyres
  31% 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
  27% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Toyota Previa

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

1. Any recent work on the tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1996 Toyota Previa as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1996 Toyota Previa as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1996 Toyota Previa as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?