2003 Toyota Estima 2.4L Petrol · LW03 AET

The Toyota Estima’s most recent MOT test on 2026-06-13 confirms a passing status, though with critical tyre and suspension issues that were only partially addressed. The vehicle failed its previous test just 25 days earlier on 2026-05-28, revealing a pattern of recurring and unresolved faults—particularly in rear tyres, front anti-roll bar linkages, and exhaust emissions. While the June 2026 pass suggests some corrections were made, the near-identical rear tyre defects (cracking/perishing) and unresolved suspension arm bush wear indicate a lack of thorough maintenance. The front headlamp alignment failures and corroded ball joint dust covers also suggest neglect of critical safety components, compounded by a nail in the offside rear tyre during the May test. The recorded mileage of 63,576 miles over 23 years—approximately 2,764 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting prolonged periods of inactivity or limited use. There is a notable gap between the 2025-06-06 (61,597 miles) and 2026-05-28 (63,419 miles) tests, covering 18 months with only 1,822 miles accumulated, which may imply the vehicle was stored or used infrequently. The consistency in mileage increments (around 3,000 miles per year) does not indicate aggressive driving, but the lack of higher-mileage tests makes it difficult to assess long-term wear trends on components like brakes or drivetrain. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the rear tyres, which have repeatedly failed for perishing and damage, and the front anti-roll bar linkages, where corroded dust covers and potential bush wear were flagged in May. The suspension arm pins/bushes at the rear also warrant close examination for excessive movement or deterioration, as this could compromise handling and stability. Exhaust emissions failed in May, pointing to a potential catalytic converter issue or fuel system inefficiency that should be verified with a diagnostic scan. Finally, the front headlamp misalignment and inoperative registration lamp suggest either recent tampering or long-term neglect of electrical components, which could extend to other systems. Given the vehicle’s age and the pattern of unresolved faults, a full suspension and brake overhaul, along with tyre replacement, would be advisable before considering purchase.