2010 Toyota Vellfire: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Toyota Vellfire?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Toyota Vellfire than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Steering swivel joints5.3× usual
  Toyota Vellfire

  4.8% All 2010 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2010 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.

• Rear fog light4.1× usual
  Toyota Vellfire

  3.7% All 2010 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.9% of all 2010 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.

Common 2010 Toyota Vellfire MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Toyota Vellfire MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  22% 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.

• Tyres
  17% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  13% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Steering
  4% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Toyota Vellfire

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

1. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 2010 Toyota Vellfire as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2010 Toyota Vellfire as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?