1988 Toyota Hilux 2.4L Diesel · F598 GTT

The most recent MOT, conducted on 16 June 2025 at 132,226 miles, returned a clean pass with zero defects recorded. This is a significant improvement over the preceding years and points to a resolving maintenance trend rather than a worsening one. The vehicle had previously failed on 4 August 2022 at 128,447 miles for multiple lighting faults, excessively worn offside front swivel pins and bushes, exhaust smoke, and a minor exhaust gas leak. All of those items were rectified ahead of the subsequent pass on the same date at 128,450 miles, and the record since then shows no recurrence of those failures. The August 2023 test at 130,139 miles flagged only minor advisories, and the June 2025 test was entirely clear, suggesting the last owner addressed outstanding issues and maintained the vehicle to a reasonable standard over the most recent two-year interval. At 132,226 miles over approximately 38 years, the Hilux has covered an average of roughly 3,480 miles per year, which is notably low for a working commercial vehicle of this type. The mileage progression supports this: 127,042 miles in July 2021, 128,450 miles in August 2022, 130,139 miles in August 2023, and 132,226 miles in June 2025. That is an increase of approximately 5,184 miles over nearly four years, or around 1,300 miles annually in the most recent period. Such low utilisation can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, drivetrain and suspension components have seen less mechanical stress than a typical high-mileage example. On the other, prolonged standing can accelerate rubber perishing, brake seizure, and localised corrosion, particularly in brake lines, floor pans, and subframe mounting points. The recurring advisory for worn front axle swivel pins and bushes appeared in the July 2021 test at 127,042 miles, the August 2022 pass at 128,450 miles, and the August 2023 test at 130,139 miles. Although the wear was initially classified as excessive in the August 2022 failure and then downgraded to slight in subsequent tests, the persistence of this advisory across three consecutive years suggests the front axle joints have a long-term wear pattern that a buyer should physically inspect for play and uneven tyre wear. The August 2023 test also noted corrosion to the nearside front integral body structure and slight corrosion on the offside rear floor, both assessed as not significantly reducing structural rigidity at the time of testing. Given the vehicle's age and the fact that corrosion is progressive, a buyer should examine the front chassis rails, spring hangers, outriggers, and floor sections closely with a torch and probe, paying particular attention to the areas previously flagged. The offside rear brake pipe corrosion noted in July 2021 was not mentioned in later tests, which may indicate replacement, but the entire brake pipe run should still be checked for surface corrosion and chafing, especially where pipes pass through chassis members. Front hub seals were flagged as slight weeps in 2021 and did not reappear, yet any long-term standing periods could have dried out seals, so a test drive should be monitored for hub noise or vibration. The exhaust system had a minor gas leak and excessive smoke in 2022, both resolved by the time of the next test, but a cold start inspection will confirm whether the manifold, joints, and silencer remain gas-tight. Overall, the MOT record shows a vehicle that has moved from a period of neglect into a stable, well-maintained state, but its age and low-use pattern demand a thorough physical inspection of structural corrosion, suspension bushes, and braking components before purchase.