2004 Toyota Previa diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Toyota Previa diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Toyota Previa diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.5× usual
  Toyota Previa

  32.3% All 2004 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 2.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Coil springs3× usual
  Toyota Previa

  32% All 2004 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 2.7% of all 2004 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.

• Steering swivel joints15.9× usual
  Toyota Previa

  14.3% All 2004 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.1% of all 2004 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.

• Headlights2× usual
  Toyota Previa

  26.3% All 2004 cars

  13.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 4.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Toyota Previa

  27.3% All 2004 cars

  14.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Toyota Previa diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Toyota Previa diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  67% 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
  47% 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
  42% 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
  30% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Toyota Previa diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2004 Toyota Previa diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2004 Toyota Previa diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 15.9× as often on the 2004 Toyota Previa diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?