2007 Toyota HI-ACE 2.5L Diesel · ML57 LSJ

The most recent MOT inspection on 08 October 2025 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle shows a concerning trend regarding recurring mechanical advisories. While the vehicle has avoided outright failures since 2020, the consistency of advisories related to wheel bearings and tyre wear suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than a stable mechanical condition. Specifically, the near-side rear wheel bearing has been flagged for slight play in both 2024 and 2025, indicating a component that is progressing toward total failure. The maintenance trend appears to be stagnating, with several issues persisting across multiple years without documented resolution, which often points to a reactive rather than proactive approach to vehicle upkeep. With a recorded mileage of 105,849 miles over approximately 19 years, this Toyota Hi-Ace has averaged only about 5,571 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the typical annual mileage for a commercial vehicle of this type, suggesting it has been used for light duties or has spent considerable periods stationary. While lower mileage generally implies less wear on the engine and drivetrain, long intervals of inactivity can lead to secondary issues such as rubber component degradation, seized brake calipers, and fluid contamination. The low usage profile means that while the mechanical components may have low absolute wear, they are subject to age-related deterioration that is independent of distance travelled. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the suspension and wheel assembly during a test drive. The recurring advisory for the nearside rear wheel bearing with slight play is a significant concern; you should listen for a constant humming or grinding noise that increases in pitch with vehicle speed, which indicates the bearing is nearing the end of its service life. Furthermore, the repeated advisories regarding tyres being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the outer edges suggest potential issues with wheel alignment or suspension geometry. During the test drive, monitor for any pulling to one side or uneven tyre tread wear, and check for any clunking sounds from the anti-roll bar linkages, which have been noted as worn in previous years. Given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, a thorough physical inspection is required beyond the MOT record. Inspect the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, a common symptom of age-related rubber degradation in vehicles that sit idle. Check the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or pitting, and ensure the calipers are not binding, which can happen when a vehicle is not driven frequently enough to clear debris. You should also verify the service history for evidence of calendar-based fluid changes, as brake fluid, coolant, and oil can degrade over time regardless of mileage. Finally, check the underside for signs of structural corrosion, particularly around the brake pipes which were previously noted as being corroded in 2022, to ensure the vehicle's long-term integrity.