2006 Toyota Previa diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Toyota Previa diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Toyota Previa diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.8× usual
  Toyota Previa

  29.5% All 2006 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 2.4% of all 2006 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 springs2.7× usual
  Toyota Previa

  28.1% All 2006 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 3.2% of all 2006 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.2× usual
  Toyota Previa

  31.3% All 2006 cars

  14%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2.5% of all 2006 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.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Toyota Previa

  27.4% All 2006 cars

  13.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 5% of all 2006 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.

• Steering swivel joints8.7× usual
  Toyota Previa

  10.4% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.2% of all 2006 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.

Common 2006 Toyota Previa diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Toyota Previa diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  60% 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
  52% 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
  47% 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
  34% 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
  23% 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
  12% 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 2006 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 2.8× as often on the 2006 Toyota Previa diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2006 Toyota Previa diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 Toyota Previa diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?