2016 Toyota Alphard 2.5L Hybrid electric · V12 LAU

Official fuel economy for the 2.5-litre hybrid Alphard sits in the mid-30s mpg range under WLTP testing, though real-world figures from owners typically fall between 28 and 33 mpg depending on load and driving style. Road tax for a vehicle of this age and engine size registered before April 2017 sits in the higher bracket, and as this is a hybrid it does not benefit from the current £0 VED band for newer hybrids. Insurance is likely to fall in group 30 or above given the vehicle's value and size, so obtain a quote before purchase as premiums vary widely.

Maintenance costs reflect the import nature of the vehicle: parts may need to be sourced from Japan specialists rather than local factors, which adds both cost and lead time. Hybrid battery failures are uncommon on Toyota systems but expensive if they occur, and CV joint boots (as flagged on the August 2026 test) typically cost £150 to £300 per side to replace. Allowing for higher-than-average tyre replacement frequency (evidenced by advisories at every test), a realistic annual running cost estimate is £1,600 to £2,200 including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance.

Begin with the items directly flagged in the MOT history. The rear brake pads have been flagged as worn at both 2025 and 2026 tests, so inspect the rear discs for scoring or lipping — replacing pads against worn discs is a false economy. The rear tyres have repeatedly been recorded as worn on both edges, which often points to incorrect tracking, worn rear suspension bushes, or a vehicle that has been heavily loaded; a four-wheel alignment check should be carried out. The front inner drive shaft CV boot was flagged as split on the 18 August 2026 failure — confirm visually that a new boot has been fitted and that the joint itself is not worn, as contamination of the CV joint leads to expensive replacement.

The anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers have deteriorated on three separate occasions across the available tests, suggesting either sustained use on poor road surfaces or that replacement parts fitted have been of low quality. Inspect all suspension components for play, listen for knocks over speed bumps, and check for uneven tyre wear across all four corners. The rear fog lamp emitting the wrong colour (flagged July 2025) may indicate an aftermarket LED replacement has been fitted; check that any bulb changes comply with UK regulations. Finally, because MOT records cannot verify mechanical condition beyond the items tested, a compression test, hybrid system diagnostic scan, and inspection of the underbody for corrosion are strongly recommended given the vehicle's age and mileage.