1998 Toyota Townace 2.2L Diesel · S115 FAP

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a trend of escalating mechanical wear and deferred repairs. The most recent test in April 2022 at 168,293 miles passed, yet it identified play in both front upper suspension ball joints and a minor exhaust silencer leak. While the vehicle cleared a failure in 2020, the recurring presence of issues with the suspension, wheel bearings, and exhaust system suggests that components are only addressed once they reach a failure threshold rather than through preventative maintenance. At 168,293 miles over 28 years, the Townace has averaged approximately 6,000 miles per year, which is consistent with a low-use older vehicle. However, there is a significant gap in the record, with no MOT data available since April 2022. As of June 2026, the vehicle is out of its test test period by over four years. This lack of recent testing suggests the vehicle may have been stationary or used infrequently, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components and accelerated corrosion despite the low annual mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the structural integrity, as previous tests explicitly noted underbody corrosion and corroded rear coil springs starting in 2018. The front suspension requires close attention, as the ball joints and wheel bearings have been flagged for play across multiple years. The exhaust system also shows a history of failure and leaks, having progressed from a major front pipe leak in 2020 to a silencer leak in 2022. Given the age and the lapse since the last recorded test, checking for deep structural rust on the chassis and mounting points is essential before purchase.