2017 Toyota Hilux 2.4L Diesel · DF17 WDT

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 20 August 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be deteriorating. While the vehicle enjoyed clean passes between 2021 and 2025, the recent history reveals a pattern of reactive maintenance and recurring issues. The vehicle suffered two failures in August 2026 alone, and a previous dangerous failure in 2024 regarding brake pad thickness suggests a lack of proactive upkeep. The current pass is heavily burdened with advisories, indicating that the vehicle is currently in a state of marginal compliance rather than being well-maintained. With 85,052 miles recorded over approximately nine years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 9,450 miles per year. This is a typical usage profile for this model, suggesting it has been used regularly without being subjected to extreme high-mileage wear. At this stage of its life and mileage, the mechanical components are typically transitioning from their initial reliability phase into a period where rubber perishables, suspension bushings, and braking consumables require more frequent replacement to maintain roadworthiness. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the steering and suspension systems, which show a chronic history of degradation. There has been persistent play in the steering rack inner joints since 2023, and recent failures involving the steering rack gaiter and upper suspension arm ball joint dust covers indicate that the protective seals have failed. On a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks when driving over uneven ground and feel for any vagueness or instability in the steering. The deterioration of these dust covers allows grit and moisture to enter the joints, which will accelerate wear and likely lead to a costly steering rack or suspension arm replacement in the near future. The braking system and tyres also require rigorous scrutiny. The front brake pads have been flagged as wearing thin or being dangerously low on multiple occasions, suggesting a failure to monitor basic consumables. The buyer should check for brake shudder during deceleration and inspect the discs for heavy scoring or corrosion. Additionally, the recent advisory for a nail in the tyre, combined with previous reports of edge wear, indicates poor tyre management. A full physical inspection of all tyre sidewalls and treads is necessary to ensure there is no uneven wear caused by the aforementioned steering play, and the service book should be verified to ensure that engine and transmission fluids have been changed based on time intervals rather than just mileage.