2005 Toyota Estima 2.4L Petrol · MH54 OBV

The 2005 Toyota Estima presents a mixed maintenance picture that has deteriorated sharply in its most recent test cycle. The January 2026 pass at 128,854 miles followed a failure just two days prior on the same date, indicating the previous owner addressed immediate MOT failures but left underlying wear issues unresolved. The recurring minor exhaust gas leak appearing in both the failed and passed tests of January 2026 suggests a deteriorating exhaust section that has not been properly repaired, merely assessed as no longer a failure threshold. Two worn rear brake discs flagged as advisory in both January 2026 tests point to a braking system running at the margins of acceptable condition. The mileage progression tells a story of consistent but modest use. From 111,405 miles in August 2022 to 121,001 miles in November 2023, the vehicle covered 9,596 miles in roughly fifteen months, then added 4,830 miles by November 2024, and a further 3,023 miles by January 2026. The annualised rate sits around 6,100 miles, well within typical range for a vehicle of this age. No significant mileage gaps appear in the record, suggesting regular use rather than prolonged standing, which reduces concern about deterioration from inactivity such as seized brakes or perished rubber components. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the rear braking system first. The repeated advisory for worn rear brake discs at 128,854 miles, combined with the same mileage appearing on both the fail and pass tests, raises the question of whether rear calipers are binding or if the handbrake mechanism is dragging. The exhaust system requires close examination for corrosion at joints and flanges, particularly the manifold-to-downpipe area, since the minor gas leak advisory has persisted across two consecutive tests. The front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints that caused the January 2026 failure were evidently replaced, but the condition of the drop links and bushes should be verified for correct installation and torque. Given the vehicle's age and the pattern of deferred advisories, a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion on subframes, sill mounts, and suspension mounting points is advisable before committing to purchase.