2017 Toyota Hilux 2.4L Diesel · SJ17 XJM

The 2017 Toyota Hilux passed its most recent MOT on 5 February 2026 at 151,171 miles, but the record reveals a mixed maintenance picture that is neither clearly improving nor worsening. The tester flagged both front brake pads as wearing thin and noted slightly worn bushes on both rear shock absorbers. These are minor advisories rather than failures, yet their presence at such a high mileage suggests routine wear is accumulating without proactive replacement. The vehicle has never been failed for a major structural or safety-critical defect, which is reassuring, but the pattern of recurring brake and suspension wear indicates a working commercial vehicle that has been kept running rather than cosseted. The mileage accumulation is high at roughly 16,797 miles per year over nine years, consistent with sustained heavy use rather than light commuting. The gap between the February 2025 test at 135,389 miles and the February 2026 test at 151,171 miles shows 15,782 miles covered in twelve months, confirming the vehicle is still being driven hard. The February 2024 test recorded 118,237 miles, meaning the van covered approximately 17,152 miles in the preceding twelve-month period. This steady, high annual mileage places accelerated stress on consumable components, particularly brake pads, tyres, suspension bushes, and drivetrain seals. The February 2024 failure at 118,227 miles exposed several lapses in basic upkeep. The tester recorded a missing wheel fixing, a non-functioning horn, front brake pads below 1.5 mm, both rear inner tyres worn to the legal limit, a nail in the offside rear tyre, and excessive fluctuation in both rear service brakes. These defects suggest the vehicle was operated in a worn state for some time before that test. The simultaneous inner drive shaft seal oil leak appeared in both the failed and passed tests in February 2024, indicating a slow, persistent leak that has not worsened enough to cause a failure but warrants close inspection. A buyer should examine the inner drive shaft seals for fresh weeping and check whether the oil level has been maintained consistently. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the rear brake system, given the documented fluctuation and the recurring brake pad wear. The rear shock absorber bushes were flagged as slightly worn at 151,171 miles, and at this mileage the dampers themselves may be approaching the end of their service life. Suspension bushes, coil springs, and anti-roll bar links should be checked for play or deterioration. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin at the most recent test, meaning replacement is likely due imminently. Tyre condition, particularly inner sidewall wear on the rear axle, deserves attention given the history of edge wear and a nail puncture. The driveshaft joints and inner bearing housing should be inspected for lift or play, as the 2023 and 2024 records both flagged wear in this area. Overall, the Hilux appears fundamentally sound but demands a thorough mechanical inspection focused on brakes, suspension, and drivetrain before purchase.