2005 Toyota Hilux 2.5L Diesel · ET05 OGL

The most recent DVSA MOT, carried out on 1 April 2026, was recorded as a clean pass with no defects noted. Earlier in the vehicle’s history there were several significant failures – notably an ABS warning lamp fault and excessive play in the lower front ball joints in 2018, and a rear‑tyre bulge together with a damaged CV‑joint gaiter in 2016. Since those events the MOT results have shown a clear upward trajectory, moving from multiple failures to a fault‑free pass, which suggests that the current owner has addressed the major safety concerns and that the vehicle’s maintenance condition is now stabilising rather than deteriorating. At 68 069 mi the Hilux has logged an average of roughly 3 200 mi per year over its 21‑year life, a mileage figure that is considerably below the industry norm for a vehicle of this age. Such low annual usage often points to long periods of inactivity or very light duty work, which can be as consequential as high mileage. Prolonged standing can accelerate rubber hardening in tyres, promote battery sulphation, and allow moisture to settle on the under‑body, encouraging corrosion. Conversely, the limited wear means that wear‑items such as clutch plates, gearboxes and engine internals are likely to have retained a substantial proportion of their original life, provided they have been serviced at appropriate intervals. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front lower ball joints that were previously recorded with excessive play; inspect for any clunking or looseness when the steering wheel is rocked at a standstill and feel for any wandering under braking. The ABS system, which triggered a fault lamp in both 2017 and 2018, must be scanned for stored codes and the warning light verified as extinguished; a lingering fault can cause reduced brake modulation and may indicate a failing wheel‑speed sensor or a deteriorating ABS control module. The front CV‑joint gaiters, flagged for damage in 2015 and again in 2016, should be examined for cracks or torn edges that could allow moisture ingress and premature joint wear – symptoms on a test drive would include a clicking noise on acceleration or a vibration when cornering. Tyre condition also warrants scrutiny: the front tyres were warned as being close to the legal tread limit in 2018, so current tread depth should be measured and sidewalls checked for age‑related cracking, dry rot or bulging, especially on the rear off‑side where a structural failure was previously recorded. Beyond the items highlighted by the MOT record, the buyer should conduct a thorough age‑related inspection. Verify that all exterior lamps – position, indicator and fog – illuminate correctly and that lenses are free from clouding, as previous failures suggest possible wiring or bulb issues. Examine the under‑carriage for any signs of rust, particularly around the chassis rails and suspension mounting points, which can be exacerbated by long periods of storage. Test the 12 V battery voltage under load and check for corrosion on terminals, as batteries left idle for years often lose capacity. Finally, confirm that time‑sensitive fluids – brake fluid, coolant, gearbox oil and engine oil – have been replaced within the recommended service intervals; old brake fluid can absorb moisture and compromise braking performance, while degraded coolant can lead to overheating and corrosion of the cooling system. A comprehensive visual inspection combined with a sensible road test should reveal whether the vehicle’s low mileage has translated into a sound, road‑worthy condition or whether age‑related deterioration remains.