2004 Toyota Hilux 2.5L Diesel · NG04 MHF

The 2026‑03‑31 MOT at 98,499 miles recorded a pass with no defects, confirming current roadworthiness and indicating a stable maintenance record. Since the 2020 test at 87,313 miles, each subsequent annual inspection has resulted in a pass without recorded failures, showing that previous issues have been rectified and no new defects have emerged. The vehicle’s mileage of 98,499 miles over 22 years averages 4,477 miles per year, which is low for its age and suggests periods of limited use. Mileage rose from 85,239 miles in November 2017 to 90,152 miles by January 2023, an increase of 4,913 miles in 5.5 years, or roughly 893 miles annually, before accelerating to 95,217 miles by March 2025 and 98,499 miles by March 2026, a gain of 3,282 miles in one year. A buyer should therefore prioritize inspection of the front wheel bearings, which exhibited slight play in the 2015 test and may still show wear, and the rear shock absorbers, whose 2017 failure involved serious fluid leaks that have not been reported since, indicating the need to verify current seal integrity. The central propshaft centre bearing, flagged for play in 2017, should be examined for renewed movement. Brake condition must be checked, as the 2024 failure noted pads below 1.5 mm, though subsequent tests show no defects, implying replacement may have occurred. Tyre tread depth, which was below the 1.6 mm requirement in 2015, should be confirmed as adequate now, and headlamp aim, which required adjustment in March 2025, should be verified. Finally, visual assessment of the chassis for structural rust, suspension bushes, and exhaust condition is advisable, as the record contains no explicit corrosion advisories but previous suspension failures suggest potential wear; confirming that all prior advisories have been fully remedied will ensure the vehicle remains reliable.