2008 Toyota Alphard 2.4L Petrol · MH08 LSO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a concerning decline in mechanical oversight following a period of stability. After three years of clean records between 2023 and 2025, the May 2026 test at 107,540 miles revealed multiple mechanical and tyre-related defects. This suggests that while the vehicle was previously well-maintained, preventative attention to steering and suspension components has lapsed in the most recent interval. The mileage profile is notably low for an 18-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,000 miles per year. There is a significant gap of 11,525 miles between April 2022 and May 2023, followed by a more consistent accumulation of roughly 8,000 miles annually since. While the low mileage generally reduces wear on the drivetrain, the long intervals between uses can lead to the degradation of rubber components and the seizing of bolts, which may align with the sudden appearance of suspension play in the latest inspection. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the front steering and suspension. The 2026 test flagged play in the steering rack inner joints on the nearside front and play in the lower anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. These issues require immediate attention to ensure vehicle stability and steering precision. Furthermore, the recurring issue of front tyres wearing prematurely on the edges in both 2022 and 2026 indicates a persistent alignment problem or worn shock absorbers that have not been properly addressed. The tester also noted an offside rear tyre with a nail and child seat obstructions at 107,540 miles, which prevented a full inspection of the adult seatbelts. These seats should be removed to verify the integrity of the belting mechanisms. Given the age of the Toyota Alphard, the chassis should be inspected for structural corrosion, particularly in the sills and wheel arches, despite the MOT record not explicitly flagging structural failures yet.