2003 Toyota Alphard 3.0L Petrol · DK53 LGA

The most recent MOT in January 2026 indicates a significant decline in condition compared to the previous year. Although the vehicle ultimately passed, it first failed on the same day due to a combination of wear and tear items that were absent during the 2025 test. This suggests the car has reached a tipping point regarding component fatigue. The mechanical trend is clearly worsening. Historically, the only consistent issues were rear brake pads and front brake discs noted as worn or pitted since 2023. However, the 2026 test introduced multiple new suspension defects, including worn bushes on the front lower arms and rear trailing arms. The sudden appearance of these faults, alongside a new oil leak and a tyre worn on the inner edge, points to accelerated aging of the rubber components and running gear. With 162,201 miles over 23 years, the mileage is roughly typical for its age, implying consistent use rather than long periods of storage. This level of steady driving often results in predictable wear, but the rapid onset of suspension bush failures suggests that these age-related items are now due for comprehensive replacement rather than simple monitoring. You should prioritise checking the suspension geometry and the condition of the offside front tyre, as inner edge wear often indicates tracking issues caused by the worn bushes.