2004 Toyota Estima 2.0L Hybrid electric (clean) · SU52 EPM

The most recent MOT on 14 July 2026 was passed, although it recorded a minor fault with the nearside registration‑plate lamp and several advisories concerning tyre condition, a small oil mist on the nearside front shock absorber and a nail embedded in the nearside rear tyre. Over the last six years the vehicle has moved from a clean pass in 2020 to a failure in 2023 caused by multiple lighting and body‑panel defects, then returned to passing status with only advisory items. This pattern shows that the car has been kept roadworthy but that some wear points – notably the tyres, suspension bushes and rear brake disc – have been recurring and merit close attention. At 77 094 miles the Estima averages roughly 3 500 miles per year, which is markedly low for a 22‑year‑old van. Such limited mileage often indicates periods of infrequent use or long storage, which can lead to age‑related deterioration even when wear from distance is minimal. Low annual mileage reduces the typical fatigue on engine, transmission and drivetrain components, but it also means that rubber parts, seals and electronic systems may have aged beyond their intended service life without the benefit of regular heat cycling that helps keep them supple. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set the highest priority. Both front tyres are reported as close to the legal tread limit and the off‑side front tyre carries a shallow cut; a nail in the rear tyre also suggests possible puncture risk. Inspect each tyre for side‑wall cracking, uneven wear patterns, and any embedded foreign objects, and be prepared to replace the set if the tread depth is below 1.6 mm or the cuts are deeper than superficial. During a test drive listen for a thudding or clunk when passing over bumps, which could indicate worn suspension arm bushings – the MOT notes rear arm pins and bushes with wear but no excess movement, a condition that can develop into looseness and altered wheel alignment if not serviced. Check the front shock absorbers for oil seepage around the mounts; leaking oil often precedes loss of damping performance and can cause the vehicle to squat or bounce under braking and cornering. The cooling system should be examined for any signs of a persistent coolant leak, as the 2023 advisory noted a radiator leak that may have been remedied but could reappear with age‑related gasket failure. Verify that the coolant level is correct and that the radiator and hoses are free from corrosion or swelling. The rear brake disc was flagged as pitted in 2025; assess disc surface condition and measure disc thickness, and test the brakes for any shudder, pulsation or reduced pedal feel. Because the vehicle has spent considerable time idle, inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation, check terminal corrosion and confirm that the charging system is functioning. Finally, examine the under‑body for rust, especially around the rear axle where a 2023 advisory highlighted rust development, and ensure that any corrosion has been treated to prevent structural weakening. A thorough visual inspection combined with a careful road test should reveal whether the Estima’s age‑related issues have been adequately addressed and if any imminent maintenance is required before purchase.