2004 Toyota Hiace 2.5L Diesel · DF04 XUM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a clean pass in August 2025 at 274,107 miles. However, the maintenance trend shows a period of significant neglect followed by a reactive repair phase. The failure in August 2025 was extensive, involving six separate defects ranging from minor electrical issues to a serious structural failure. While the owner successfully addressed these faults to pass the subsequent test ten days later, the history suggests the vehicle is only maintained when forced by annual testing rather than through a proactive preventative schedule. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 274,107 miles represents high usage, averaging approximately 12,460 miles per year. The data shows consistent, heavy use, with 12,060 miles covered between between the September 2023 and August 2024 tests. This high mileage puts constant strain on the drivetrain and heavy suspension components, which aligns with the recurring reports of wear on the anti-roll bar links and ball joints throughout the last two years of recorded history. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the undercarriage to assess the extent of the corrosion. The 2025 failure flagged the offside rear upper suspension mounting as excessively corroded with significantly reduced structural strength, alongside an excessively corroded offside front brake pipe. Given that the 2024 test noted all brake pipes and the undercarriage showed corrosion, the structural integrity of the chassis is the primary concern. You should verify that the rust at the mounting points has been properly treated and that the brake lines have been replaced rather than merely cleaned to prevent future catastrophic failure.