2018 Toyota Proace 1.6L Diesel · FN18 JYR

A pattern of recurring front oil leaks combined with escalating brake wear and a persistent tyre pressure monitoring system concern defines the mechanical picture of this 2018 Toyota Proace. The most recent test on 2026-05-05 recorded a pass but carried five advisories, including a continuing front oil leak, front and rear brake disc wear with thinning rear pads, and a nearside front tyre approaching the legal limit on both edges. This sits alongside an earlier failure on 2024-04-23 where the engine management indicator lamp showed a malfunction and the TPMS was flagged as inoperative, with the TPMS warning light having been noted again at the 2022-04-25 test. The 2022 test also produced a failure for an inoperative offside stop lamp and registration plate lamp, both subsequently rectified. The overall trajectory shows a vehicle that has passed its tests but carries a growing cluster of advisories on each subsequent visit, particularly around braking components and the oil leak, suggesting progressive wear rather than acute faults. With 163,122 miles recorded across eight years, this Proace has averaged roughly 20,390 miles per year, which is high for its age and indicates sustained commercial or long-distance use. MOT history is continuous from 2021 through to 2026 with no extended gaps in testing, so there is no evidence of a long off-road period that might have introduced its own deterioration through standing. The mileage progression between tests is broadly consistent with the annual average rather than showing sudden spikes, but the cumulative figure itself is significant for a vehicle of this type. High annual mileage on a Proace typically accelerates wear on clutch components, dual-mass flywheel integrity, suspension bushes and bearings, turbocharger seals, and the engine oil and cooling system, all of which should be considered alongside the recorded advisories. The persistent front engine oil leak recorded at the 2022, 2025 and 2026 tests is the most consistent mechanical thread and warrants close inspection. On a cold start, listen for any change in engine note or any visible fresh oil on the underside, particularly around the timing chain cover, sump gasket, and turbo feed and return pipes, as these are common sources on diesel units of this vintage. Given the high mileage, also check for excessive blue or grey smoke on initial start-up and under load, which could indicate turbo seal or piston ring wear. The oil residue on the 2026 test was deemed not excessive, meaning it has not yet reached the threshold of a Major defect, but a buyer should budget for the leak to worsen and verify the current oil level and condition via the dipstick. The brake-related advisories from 2026-05-05, covering front disc wear and rear disc pitting with thinning rear pads, point to consumables that are approaching the end of their service life. On a test drive, expect a firm pedal with no sponginess, listen for any grinding or squealing from the rear under light braking, and feel for any vibration through the pedal or steering wheel that would indicate the rear disc scoring has progressed further. The 2025 test also recorded severely deteriorated both-sided front outer CV joint boots, a Minor defect at the time but a component that, if left unattended, can lead to joint contamination and eventual failure; listen for clicking on full lock turns and inspect the boots for fresh splits or grease loss. The TPMS issues recorded at both the 2022 and 2024 tests may be resolved or may indicate a deeper sensor or wiring fault, so verify that the warning light extinguifies correctly after tyre pressure correction. Finally, check the tyres directly for uneven inner or outer edge wear, as the nearside front tyre was flagged for wear on both edges, which can suggest misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or simply the cumulative effect of high mileage on steering and suspension linkages.