2008 Toyota Estima 2.4L Gas bi-fuel · FA08 KDZ

A clear mechanical theme runs through this Toyota Estima's MOT history: a pattern of recurring advisories concentrated around the rear axle suspension and the front brake discs, with no outright failures recorded across the last four tests. The 2025-08-30 pass continues that trend, flagging a worn and pitted nearside front brake disc, a nearside front tyre with a shallow cut, an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit, light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber, and slight wear to the rear axle swivel pins and bushes on both sides. These are not isolated findings, as the same rear swivel pin and bush wear has been noted on consecutive tests in 2024 and 2025, and the offside rear shock absorber oil misting has been recorded in both 2022 and 2025. The overall pattern is one of gradual, predictable wear rather than acute deterioration, and the vehicle has remained roadworthy at every test. The only minor defect in the period, an inoperative rear registration plate lamp in 2023, is trivial. With 128,999 miles recorded across roughly 18 years, annual mileage averages out at around 7,167 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and indicates steady, regular use rather than long periods of standing or unusually heavy running. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest the vehicle was off the road for extended periods, and the mileage accumulation appears consistent from test to test. Mechanically, this kind of steady usage is generally favourable for an MPV of this vintage, helping to keep seals, bushes, and driveline components lubricated and working. It does, however, mean that the wear items now surfacing, particularly the brake discs, pads, and rear suspension components, are consistent with a chassis of this age and mileage rather than premature failure. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for inspection are the rear suspension and the front brakes. The recurring advisory on the rear axle swivel pins and bushes, noted slightly worn on both sides across two consecutive tests, warrants a close look at the rear end on a test drive: listen for clonks or knocks from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly when accelerating or braking over speed humps, and check for any lateral movement when the rear wheels are rocked by hand. The offside rear shock absorber light oil misting has appeared twice across the test history, so inspect the shock body for fresh seepage and check for any change in ride quality, such as excessive bouncing after a bump or poor damping over undulating roads. On the front axle, the worn and pitted nearside front brake disc noted in 2025 is now likely due for replacement if not already done, so check for brake pedal pulsation or vibration under firm braking and inspect the disc surface directly for a deep lip on the outer edge and visible scoring. The tyre advisories from the 2025 test, covering a cut on the nearside front and edge wear on the offside front, are worth attention at the point of purchase, particularly the edge wear, which can point to suspension geometry or camber issues, especially given the rear axle wear already documented. On a test drive, pay attention to steering pull to one side under braking or on a straight motorway stretch, uneven steering response, and any vibration through the steering wheel. The 2022 advisory of a severely deteriorated nearside front inner CV boot is another item to confirm has been rectified, as a torn boot left unattended will lead to CV joint failure. Listen for clicking or knocking from the front nearside under full lock turns, and inspect the boot itself for fresh grease contamination or splits. Taken together, the history points to a mechanically honest MPV requiring some routine refreshment of consumables and rear suspension components rather than any structural concern.