2007 Toyota Alphard 240 S 2.4L Petrol · WU07 EVT

A recurring pattern of tyre-related defects dominates the DVSA record for this 2007 Toyota Alphard, with three of the seven recorded MOT tests resulting in failure specifically because of tread depth below the 1.6mm legal minimum. The 2023 test recorded three dangerous tyre failures across both axles, and the 2025 test repeated this with a nearside front tyre dangerous failure alongside an advisory for a nearside rear tyre worn close to the limit. This suggests that tyres may not be replaced proactively ahead of test deadlines, a habit worth verifying with the seller. Beyond the tyres, the 2024 test introduced a major defect on the offside front track rod end ball joint dust cover, which was deteriorated enough to allow dirt ingress, and a related advisory for a worn nearside rear trailing arm bush. The most recent test on 16 April 2025 passed with no defects recorded, which is a clean immediate outcome, but the broader pattern shows that roadworthiness issues have surfaced in three of the last four test cycles, indicating that the vehicle is not consistently defect-free on inspection. With 79,725 miles recorded over approximately nineteen years, the annual accumulation works out at roughly 4,200 miles per year, which is notably low for the age and platform. MOT testing has been consistent at annual intervals from 2022 onwards, with the record beginning on 1 January 2022, so there is no evidence of multi-year lay-ups or significant testing gaps within the documented period. Lower annual mileage reduces wear on internal combustion components, clutches and drivetrain parts, but it can also mean longer periods of standing, which encourages corrosion in brake calipers, drying of suspension bushes, and deterioration of fluid-sealed components such as the track rod end boot that was flagged in 2024. The mileage reading itself should be cross-checked against the dashboard and V5 consistency to confirm it has not been clocked or misread, as Japanese-import vehicles of this age occasionally present inconsistencies between the odometer display and recorded mileages. For a prospective buyer, the test drive should focus specifically on the components that have previously attracted examiner attention. The 2024 advisory on the nearside rear trailing arm bush warrants a physical inspection of that bush for splitting, perishing, or excessive lateral play, and during the test drive listen for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the nearside. The track rod end dust cover failure from the same test means the joint itself could already be contaminated; check for steering vagueness, uneven tyre wear across the front pair, and any knocking or rattling from the front end when turning the wheel at low speed with the windows down. A full laser alignment check at a tyre specialist is advisable given the track rod history. The tyre failures demand careful scrutiny of the current set fitted to the vehicle. Inspect all four tyres for both remaining tread depth with a calibrated gauge and for uneven shoulder wear, which on the Alphard can indicate misalignment, worn suspension geometry, or simply prolonged corner-loading on a heavy people-carrier. Confirm the production date stamps on the sidewalls, as an imported vehicle of this age frequently arrives on older tyres that may have been fitted well before sale. Finally, given the low annual mileage and the documented suspension and steering wear despite modest use, a precautionary inspection of brake caliper slide pins, rear brake shoe mechanisms, and underbody corrosion is warranted, paying particular attention to the rear trailing arm mounting points and front subframe for any surface rust that could develop into structural concern on a unibody MPV of this vintage.