2004 Toyota Hiace 2.5L Diesel · FA04 UBE

The current roadworthiness status of this Toyota Hiace is stable but requires careful attention to the vehicle's structural integrity. The most recent MOT on 24 September 2025 at 253,040 miles resulted in a pass, yet the tester noted ongoing corrosion to the offside integral body structure. While this has not yet reached the threshold of significantly reduced rigidity, the persistence of this advisory over successive annual tests indicates that the corrosion is a chronic issue rather than a one-off occurrence. The vehicle has covered 253,040 miles over its twenty-two-year lifespan, averaging approximately 11,500 miles annually. This usage pattern is consistent and suggests the van has remained in regular service rather than suffering from long periods of inactivity, which often leads to seized mechanical components. The mileage accumulation has been steady, with roughly 5,700 miles added between the 2024 and 2025 tests, reflecting a light but consistent duty cycle in its recent history. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the outer sills and the underside of the chassis. The recurring mention of corrosion in the 2024 and 2025 tests suggests that previous repairs may have been superficial or that the metal is degrading in areas difficult to treat effectively. You should also verify the condition of the tyres, as the history shows a trend of neglect regarding tread depth, with advisories issued in both 2023 and 2024. Given the age and high mileage, confirm that the horn and airbag systems, which failed in 2022, remain fully operational, as these are critical safety items that often suffer from wiring fatigue in high-mileage commercial vehicles.