2002 Toyota Hilux 2.4L Diesel · SM52 AXV

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by worsening structural integrity despite a recent pass in December 2024 at 109,842 miles. While the most recent test recorded no defects, this follows a significant failure just one week prior on 5 December 2024. That failure highlighted critical issues including excessive corrosion on the nearside rear suspension component mountings, which was noted as significantly reducing structural strength to the chassis leg. The transition from a heavy failure involving structural and braking defects to a clean pass suggests recent, potentially reactive, repairs, but the underlying pattern of degradation remains evident. The mileage profile shows the vehicle has covered 109,842 miles over approximately 24 years, averaging roughly 4,577 miles per year. This is low for a vehicle of this age, which often indicates light use or long periods of inactivity. However, the data shows periods of relative inactivity, such as the gap between March 2022 and February 2023, and the significant jump in mileage recorded between 2020 and 2022. Low annual mileage on a commercial vehicle of this era often correlates with the heavy corrosion seen in the records, as the vehicle may spend considerable time stationary in damp environments. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough underside inspection, specifically focusing on the chassis legs and suspension mounting points. The MOT history shows a chronic and escalating issue with corrosion. In January 2020, the tester flagged extensive corrosion affecting the structural rigidity of the inner and outer sills and the rear cab area. Despite repairs, the December 2024 failure again identified serious corrosion at the nearside rear shock mount area and chassis leg. The recurring nature of these structural faults suggests that while individual components may be replaced, the overall integrity of the chassis is under constant threat. Mechanical attention should also be directed toward the braking and steering systems. The record shows a history of corroded brake pipes, binding calipers, and issues with the brake load sensing valve. Recent failures also identified excessive play in the offside front track rod end and worn anti-roll bar linkage bushes. Given the history of greasy brake pipes used to mask corrosion and the frequent reports of worn ball joints and steering idler arms, a physical inspection of all suspension bushings, steering linkages, and the condition of the hydraulic lines is essential to ensure the vehicle is truly roadworthy.