1999 Daihatsu Hijet 1.3L Petrol · S572 AJK

A recurring structural corrosion advisory has appeared on every recorded MOT since 2020, signalling an ongoing rust issue across the vehicle structure that, while not yet compromising rigidity according to the tester, has remained a persistent concern across five consecutive tests. The most recent examination on 3 December 2025 resulted in a pass, but it carried the same structural advisory alongside a newly flagged minor exhaust gas leak, indicating that deterioration in both the bodywork and exhaust system is still progressing year-on-year rather than stabilising. Two failures appear within the recorded history: one in November 2021 for an inoperative front direction indicator and another in December 2024 for an incorrect colour indicator and both windscreen wipers failing to clear the screen effectively. These lighting and wiper defects are relatively straightforward items, but their occurrence twice in three years suggests electrical and wiper mechanism wear consistent with the vehicle's age and light usage pattern. Across six tests spanning 2020 to 2025, the overall pass count stands at four with two failures, and the advisory trail points to a vehicle whose corrosion profile is the dominant mechanical theme. With 40,789 miles recorded against an age of approximately 27 years, the Daihatsu Hijet has covered roughly 1,511 miles annually, which is exceptionally low and indicative of either very light seasonal use or extended periods of standing off the road. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT testing timeline, with annual examinations consistently recorded since 2020, so the vehicle has not been formally off the road for any multi-year stretches. Such modest annual mileage typically reduces wear on major drivetrain and high-load components like the clutch, brakes, and engine internals, but it does accelerate deterioration of rubber items, exposed metal surfaces, and brake systems through infrequent use. The chronic structural corrosion advisory combined with low mileage is consistent with a vehicle that has experienced long stationary periods in conditions conducive to oxidation, particularly given that moisture exposure during inactivity tends to accelerate rust formation on unprotected steel sections. For any prospective buyer, a close physical inspection of the body structure should be the priority, particularly around the sills, chassis legs, suspension mounting points, and any boxed sections where corrosion can propagate unseen. The advisory wording confirms rigidity is not currently significantly reduced, but on a vehicle of this age with an unresolved structural advisory repeated across every test, surface rust today may mask more advanced perforation tomorrow, so a tap test with a coin or screwdriver along the lower bodywork is advisable. The exhaust system warrants a physical check too; the tester noted a minor gas leak in both 2023 and 2025, suggesting a joint, gasket, or pipe section is degrading, and a listen for ticking under cold start or hissing under load from the engine bay will help identify the location. On a road test, listen for exhaust drone or fumes entering the cabin, which would indicate a failed flexi or front section joint. Given the recent wiper linkage failure on both sides in 2024, it is worth checking the wiper mechanism operation across the full sweep for any hesitation, juddering, or incomplete arc, as the linkage pivots and motor on a 27-year-old vehicle are prone to seizing. Test the full lighting circuit including hazard flashers and both front direction indicators for correct operation and correct colour output, as this is the second time indicator faults have triggered a presentation. With light brake and suspension use likely over the years, pay particular attention to brake pedal feel; a spongy or overly firm pedal may indicate seized calipers or perished flexible hoses, while knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces from the front suspension could point to perished bushes or corroded components within the corroded structural areas flagged at test. A raised inspection on a ramp would be strongly recommended before purchase to confirm the extent of any structural corrosion beyond what is visible from underneath at kerbside.