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Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid

2001 Toyota HI-ACE 2.4L Diesel · WV51 AVF

WV51 AVF

2001 Toyota HI-ACE (2.4L, diesel). First registered 17 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 236,329 miles. MOT valid until 02 Feb 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.

Make & Model
TOYOTA HI-ACE
Year / Origin
2001 · Bristol
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 02 Feb 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
Recorded Mileage
236,329 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
Diesel · 2.4L
Reliability Guide
Available on IAGC
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 02 Feb 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Apr 2027
Fuel Type
Diesel
Year
2001
Engine
2446cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance profile with a worsening trend in structural integrity and mechanical wear. While the most recent test on 3 February 2026 at 236,329 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle carries significant recurring advisories. The history shows a pattern of escalating corrosion and mechanical degradation, moving from minor surface rust in earlier years to serious structural concerns. The 10 December 2025 failure was particularly severe, flagging excessive corrosion on the nearside rear suspension component mountings and sills that significantly reduced structural strength. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 9,453 miles per year over its 25-year lifespan. The recorded data shows steady usage, with the mileage increasing from 172,969 in November 2020 to 236,329 in February 2026. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use. However, the increasing frequency of failures and the nature of the defects suggest that the mechanical and structural components are struggling to keep pace with the mileage. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and sills, specifically focusing on the areas previously flagged for excessive corrosion. Although the February 2026 test noted corrosion in the spring mountings was not yet excessive, the December 2025 failure regarding the inner and outer sills indicates a high risk of structural failure. The recurring issues with brake pipe corrosion, noted in almost every test since 2016, suggest the braking system requires close scrutiny for leaks or imminent failure. The suspension and drivetrain also require immediate attention. The record shows persistent issues with wheel bearings having play and worn anti-roll bar linkages. The February 2026 test highlighted play in both nearside and offside front wheel bearings, alongside corroded rear spring mountings. Given the history of worn suspension bushes and ball joints, a professional inspection of all mounting points and steering components is essential to ensure the vehicle is safe for continued use.
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WV51 AVF Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 03/02/2026
  • 236,329 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring lighting items (10 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

WV51 AVF MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 29 Jul 2026, 20:09
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Toyota Hi-Ace (WV51 AVF) between November 2023 and February 2026.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 03 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (10 issues), Suspension (10 issues), Brakes (8 issues), Bodywork (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 28 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))”; “Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

WV51 AVF Mileage History

  1. 24/11/2023212,345 mi
  2. 10/12/2024225,960 mi+13,615 mi
  3. 17/12/2024226,186 mi+226 mi
  4. 10/12/2025235,265 mi+9,079 mi
  5. 03/02/2026236,329 mi+1,064 mi

Average of roughly 10,922 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
75
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Older vehicle
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Experian Provenance Data

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
35/100
Risk Level
High
High
Est. Annual Cost
£2,200-£2,800
Mileage
The mileage of 236,329 miles is signific...

Our Verdict

Proceed with extreme caution; this vehicle suffers from severe structural corrosion. While the Hi-Ace is legendary for durability, the extensive rust in the sills and suspension mountings makes this a risky investment for most buyers.

The primary concern for this vehicle is its structural integrity. The December 2025 MOT failure identified 'excessive corrosion' on the nearside rear suspension mountings and inner sills, which significantly reduced structural strength. Before purchasing, you must have a specialist perform a underside inspection to determine the extent of the rust beyond what is visible. If the chassis is compromised, the cost of repair will likely exceed the vehicle's value.

Check the mechanical components that have been flagged repeatedly. There is a recurring history of worn wheel bearings, anti-roll bar links, and brake pipes. Ensure these have been replaced recently, as the MOT history suggests they have been neglected over several years. Also, inspect the seat belt webbing, as it has been noted as damaged multiple times and is a safety item that requires replacement.

As an older commercial van with a 2446cc diesel engine, expect relatively low fuel economy, likely around 25-32 mpg depending on load and driving conditions. Tax for this age is generally low, but insurance can be high due to its classification as a commercial vehicle.

Maintenance costs will be significant due to the high mileage and the need for frequent parts replacements like bearings and suspension components. Estimate annual running costs to be between £2,200-£2,800, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine repairs.

Focus heavily on the lower bodywork and chassis. The MOT history shows a progression of corrosion in the inner and outer sills, as well as the rear suspension spring mountings. Use a torch and a small probe to check for bubbling paint or thin metal in the areas where 'major' failures were recorded.

Inspect the front suspension thoroughly. Both nearside and offside wheel bearings have shown 'slight play' for years, suggesting they are rarely replaced. Look for hub noises while driving, which indicate the bearings are failing. Additionally, check the rear brake pipes for corrosion and leaks, as this has been a persistent advisory item since 2023.

This 2001 Toyota Hi-Ace is a high-mileage example over 236,000 miles. While the 2.4L diesel engine is typically robust, the MOT history reveals a worrying pattern of escalating structural corrosion, particularly in the sills and suspension mountings. Recent failures in 2025 highlight major structural issues that suggest the vehicle may be nearing the end of its cost-effective life without significant welding work.

The Hi-Ace of this era is known for exceptional engine longevity, provided the body is kept free from salt and rust common in UK climates.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns