2014 Toyota Hilux 2.5L Diesel · FD64 RWJ

The defining mechanical story of this 2014 Toyota Hilux is one of progressively worsening structural and suspension corrosion, accompanied by repeated component-level failures. Across the four recorded test cycles, the vehicle has failed on three separate occasions, with the most recent failure in November 2025 citing an inoperative registration plate lamp and a nearside front bumper with sharp exposed edges. While the vehicle did pass a re-test the following day, the underlying advisories from that same period paint a clearer picture: a corroded central rear crossmember, corroded rear leaf spring mountings on both sides, corroded front subframe and suspension arm mountings, and nearside rear inner brake pipes at the front-to-rear flexible connections that have been treated with grease or other coating material. The advisories have expanded year on year, with subframe and suspension arm corrosion first noted in 2023 and now extending to additional structural areas, indicating an active corrosion process rather than a static cosmetic condition. Mileage on this vehicle stands at 139,884 miles over approximately twelve years, equating to an average accumulation of around 11,657 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with expectations for a working utility vehicle of this age. The testing cadence is consistent, with annual tests in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, and no extended periods off the road that would suggest long-term storage. There are no sudden gaps or anomalies in the recorded mileage progression, which means the wear observed in the MOT record is consistent with steady operational use rather than a neglected or laid-up vehicle. That said, at this mileage on a vehicle likely used for load carrying or mixed terrain work, the accumulated stress on suspension bushes, dampers, brake components and chassis mounting points is significant, and the recurring advisories on exactly these areas align with what one would expect. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection items are the suspension and chassis corrosion flagged repeatedly across all four test cycles. Particular attention should be paid to the offside front shock absorber upper bush, which was previously recorded as excessively worn with a serious fluid leak, and the nearside front upper arm front bush, which has appeared as both an advisory and a failure item. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, which would suggest renewed bush wear or play in the top mounts. The rear leaf spring mountings and the central rear crossmember above the spare wheel should be physically inspected for advancing surface corrosion and any flaking that could move from advisory status into a serious structural finding at the next test. Similarly, the front subframe corrosion noted since 2023 warrants a close look at jacking points and suspension arm attachment areas for distortion or thinning metal. Brake-related issues have also been recurrent and merit specific checks on a test drive. The 2023 test recorded an imbalance with the offside front low, and the 2024 test noted excessive movement in the nearside front upper arm bush, both of which can produce uneven stopping or steering pull under heavy braking. During a road test, apply firm pressure from speed and feel for any pulling to one side, pedal judder, or a soft inconsistent pedal, which would suggest the brake hydraulics or flexibles treated with grease in 2025 may be deteriorating further. The offside rear tyre was condemned as dangerous in both 2022 and 2024 for tread depth and structural failure, indicating that regular tyre rotation and inspection are essential. Finally, minor items such as the deteriorating rear number plate, inoperative plate lamps, and windscreen chips should be addressed, but the structural and suspension corrosion pattern remains the most important factor in deciding whether this vehicle represents a sound purchase, and any corrosion progression since the November 2025 test will need careful assessment in person.