2014 Toyota HI LUX 2.5L Diesel · FD14 KLE

The most recent MOT test on 18 November 2025 resulted in a pass, although it is important to note that the vehicle had failed just one day earlier on 17 November 2025 with a dangerous front brake pad defect and a minor windscreen wiper blade issue. The dangerous brake pad failure is particularly significant as it indicates pads were worn beyond the legal minimum of 1.5 mm, which would have resulted in substantially reduced braking efficiency and potential metal-on-metal contact with the discs if not promptly addressed. When reviewing the overall maintenance trend across the available test history, there is a clear pattern of progressively accumulating advisories relating to corrosion, suspension wear, and brake component degradation. The advisory count has grown steadily from a single minor corrosion note in 2019 to multiple advisories concerning chassis corrosion, suspension component corrosion, brake hose ferrule corrosion, and thinning brake pads. This trajectory suggests a vehicle whose condition is gradually worsening with age rather than improving, which is typical for a working ute exposed to road salt and varied terrain. The recorded mileage of 39,084 miles across approximately 12 years equates to an average annual usage of roughly 3,257 miles, which is notably low for a commercial-orientated vehicle like a Hilux. This low usage figure raises specific mechanical concerns, as vehicles that sit unused for extended periods often suffer from corrosion through lack of movement allowing moisture to persist on metal surfaces, brake disc surface rusting leading to judder on first application, and brake caliper seizure from infrequent operation. The brake hose ferrule corrosion advisories appearing consistently from 2022 onwards are consistent with this standing exposure pattern, as brake flexipes and their metal fittings are particularly vulnerable to oxidation when a vehicle sees limited regular use. Equally, the lower mileage means wear items such as the timing belt, if not already replaced on schedule, and age-sensitive fluids including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil will require replacement based on calendar intervals rather than mileage alone. The recurring advisories across multiple test cycles point to several areas requiring close physical inspection before purchase. The chassis and structural corrosion advisories, although assessed as not significantly reducing rigidity at present, are progressive by nature and should be examined personally for any advanced perforation, particularly around mounting points, jacking points, and the rear axle spring saddles flagged in 2025. The Macpherson strut corrosion noted on both front units and the deteriorated offside rear shock absorber bottom bush warrant a test drive on varied road surfaces to listen for clonks, knocking, or rattling over bumps, and a visual check underneath for any excessive play when the wheels are manually rocked. The brake system requires particular attention given the dangerous failure recorded in late 2025; during a test drive, anticipate any vibration or shudder through the steering wheel or brake pedal, pulling to one side under braking, or a spongy pedal feel that might indicate corroded brake hoses or compromised caliper operation. Given the low annual mileage and the age of the vehicle, several time-based deterioration factors warrant direct inspection irrespective of the MOT record. Tyres should be examined carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking from age, as rubber compounds degrade through ozone exposure even when tread depth remains adequate, and the inner-edge wear pattern noted on the nearside front in 2022 suggests an alignment or suspension geometry concern that should be rechecked. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as batteries typically fail after five to seven years regardless of mileage, and a weak battery can mask other electrical faults. All fluid reservoirs should be inspected for condition and age, with particular attention to the brake fluid which should be replaced every two years due to its hygroscopic nature absorbing moisture that lowers boiling point and accelerates internal corrosion within brake calipers and ABS modulators. Verify the service book history stamps and confirm whether the timing belt, recommended on Hilux diesels typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles or every seven to ten years, has been replaced on schedule, and inspect underneath the vehicle in person for any active fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, transfer box, or differential seals which would not necessarily be picked up on a standard MOT examination.