2017 Toyota Proace 1.6L Diesel · SN17 RZO

The most recent MOT, conducted on 27 April 2026 at 46,689 miles, resulted in a pass, yet two active defects demand immediate attention. The exhaust flexi-pipe is leaking gases, a fault that has persisted across multiple tests, and both front tyres are worn close to the legal limit on their inner edges. This pattern of recurring advisories and minor leaks suggests the maintenance trend is stable but reactive rather than proactive. The vehicle passes its annual roadworthiness checks, but it consistently does so with underlying mechanical niggles that previous owners have chosen to monitor rather than permanently resolve. At roughly 5,188 miles per year, this 2017 Proace has covered exceptionally low mileage for a nine-year-old commercial vehicle. The interval between the March 2023 test at 39,974 miles and the April 2024 test at 42,260 miles shows a modest gain of approximately 2,286 miles over twelve months. The subsequent jump to 44,728 miles by April 2025 and then to 46,689 miles by April 2026 indicates a slight uptick in usage, averaging around 2,000 miles per year across the last three years. Such low annual accumulation raises the possibility of prolonged stationary periods, which can accelerate rubber component degradation, cause brake surface corrosion, and lead to the kind of minor fluid seepage and binding mechanisms seen throughout this history. The recurring theme across this record is rear brake and suspension deterioration. A fractured nearside rear coil spring caused a failure on 23 April 2024 at 42,250 miles, yet the very next day's retest at 42,260 miles passed, indicating the spring was replaced. However, the rear brake hardware has remained a persistent concern. The nearside rear service brake has been flagged as binding in three consecutive tests from April 2024 through April 2026, while rear brake pads and discs have repeatedly appeared on the verge of replacement. All brake discs were noted as worn, pitted, or scored in April 2025. A buyer should physically inspect the rear caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanism for seizure, and check whether the binding condition has caused uneven disc scoring or excessive heat damage to the wheel bearing. Beyond the braking system, the exhaust flexi-pipe leak has appeared in both March 2023 and April 2026, suggesting either a temporary repair was fitted or the component has been slowly deteriorating. The offside outer CV boot was leaking grease in April 2025, and an oil leak was noted at the same test, though described as not excessive. A prospective buyer should examine the inner wing arches and subframe mounting points for corrosion, given the vehicle's likely use as a work van, and verify whether the CV joint has been replaced or simply re-greased. The front tyre edge wear seen in April 2026 points to possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes, which should be checked before committing to purchase.