2010 Toyota Hilux 2.5L Diesel · ST59 VCW

The defining mechanical concern surrounding this 2010 Toyota Hilux is a clear and persistent pattern of structural corrosion on the inner sills, a defect that has escalated from advisories into outright MOT failures on more than one occasion. The 2021-02-19 test recorded three separate Major defects for integral body corrosion significantly affecting the rigidity of the front and rear inner sills on both sides, forcing a fail. Just under thirteen months later, on 2022-02-26, a Major was again raised for excessive corrosion within 30cm of a body mounting point on the nearside inner sill. This is not a cosmetic issue; inner sill corrosion of this nature compromises the structural integrity of the load bed and cab mounting points, areas that are expensive to repair properly through welding and section replacement. The most recent test on 2022-03-03 passed, though it should be noted that the vehicle was retested only five days after the failure, suggesting remedial work may have been carried out or the defect was reassessed. Beyond the structural concerns, the record also shows repeated advisories for front brake pipe corrosion across nearly every test since 2020, indicating a braking system that has been under sustained attack from corrosion and warrants close inspection for weeping or restricted pipework. With 103,312 miles recorded across approximately 16 years of service, this Hilux has covered roughly 6,457 miles per year on average, which is broadly typical for a working utility vehicle of this age. The MOT history covers a roughly three-year window from early 2019 to early 2022, with tests conducted at fairly regular annual intervals and no extended gaps in testing, suggesting the vehicle has remained in active use throughout this period rather than being laid up. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and proportionate to the intervals, with no evidence of clocked readings or unusual gaps in usage. For a vehicle of this type and age, the recorded mileage would place moderate to heavy wear on the drivetrain, clutch, suspension bushes, and braking components, all of which are consistent with the advisories recorded on the MOT history. A prospective buyer should treat the inner sill corrosion as the primary area of investigation and arrange a physical examination on a ramp or over a pit, paying particular attention to the condition of the metal directly beneath the cab and around the rear body mounting points where the MOT failures were recorded. Tap-test the sills with a light hammer to detect any soft or paper-thin sections that may have been filled or partially repaired, and check for evidence of fresh welding, underseal, or paint overspray that could be concealing further corrosion. The front brake pipes should be inspected along their entire length, particularly at the flexible-to-rigid junctions and where they pass through the chassis, looking for surface rust, pitting, or any signs of weeping hydraulic fluid. On the road, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes or deteriorated anti-roll bar links given the vehicle's age and likely off-road or commercial use history, and feel for any pulling under braking that might suggest a binding caliper or a flexible hose that has weakened internally. Further checks should focus on the items that have appeared repeatedly as advisories. The nearside rear wheel arch has been flagged as damaged at every test since 2019, so inspect this area closely for any sharp edges, exposed metal, or further corrosion that may have developed beyond the cosmetic damage originally noted. The rear parking brake and service brake efficiency have each been flagged as only just meeting requirements on multiple occasions, indicating that the rear brake mechanism, adjuster, or shoes are likely due for attention, so test the handbrake on a steep incline to confirm it holds without excessive travel. Finally, examine the exhaust system for any signs of leaks or corrosion at the centre section, given the 2019 failure for a major exhaust gas leak, and verify the operation of all exterior lamps and the windscreen washer system, both of which have been the subject of previous failures. Given the structural corrosion history, the age of the vehicle, and the recurring brake pipe advisories, any inspection should also include a thorough check of the rear chassis rails, fuel pipe routing, and the load bed cross-members for signs of similar deterioration.