1998 Toyota Hilux 2.4L Diesel · R196 ABP

The most recent MOT, carried out on 20 July 2022, was a pass but returned three advisories concerning the near‑side and off‑side front tyres being close to the legal tread limit and light corrosion to the rear body cross‑members. Over the last seven years the vehicle has moved from a failure in 2016 – where the driver’s seat, anti‑roll bar linkages and battery mounting were deemed unsafe – to a series of passes with only advisory notes. This indicates that the major safety‑critical faults have been remedied and the vehicle is now generally stable, although the persistence of tyre wear and minor corrosion advisories suggests a gradual increase in wear that should be monitored. At 166 500 mi the Hilux averages just under 6 000 mi per year, well below the typical usage for a 28‑year‑old pickup. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be as much a concern as high mileage because components may deteriorate from age rather than wear. Age‑related issues such as rubber hardening, battery sulphation, and corrosion of suspension bushings can develop even when the odometer reads modest figures, so the buyer should be aware that the vehicle’s calendar age may mask hidden degradation. The tyre advisories merit immediate attention: both front tyres are reported as near the legal tread depth and showing edge wear, a sign that the vehicle may have been run on unevenly worn tyres or that the alignment is out of spec. A thorough visual inspection for cracking, sidewall perishing and uneven wear patterns is essential, and the buyer should verify that the tyres are replaced with a matched set of good‑depth tyres before any high‑speed travel. The repeated advisory about thin front brake pads suggests the pads are approaching the minimum thickness; the buyer should check the pad thickness, listen for any squeal or shudder under braking, and inspect the brake discs for scoring or rust, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for long periods. The steering box oil leak noted in 2016 and still advisory in 2022 should be examined for any fresh seepage, and the condition of the anti‑roll bar bushings should be felt for play, as excessive movement can lead to clunking on uneven surfaces and accelerated suspension wear. Given the vehicle’s age and low usage, time‑based maintenance is as important as mileage‑based items. The 12 V battery should be load‑tested for capacity and checked that it is securely mounted, as a loose battery was previously flagged. Corrosion on the rear cross‑members and any body dents should be inspected for rust progression, particularly around mounting points for the suspension and drivetrain. All fluid reservoirs – engine oil, gearbox oil, brake fluid and coolant – should be examined for colour, level and signs of water ingress, and a full service change is advisable if the last service was not recent. Finally, verify that the driver’s seat mounting hardware is sound, as a failure in this area caused the 2016 MOT failure; a firm seat with no movement when weight is applied will confirm the issue has been resolved.