2018 Toyota Proace 1.6L Diesel · Y10 LMY

The most recent MOT test on 28 August 2026 produced a PASS with no defects recorded, though a separate submission on the same date recorded a FAIL with a major defect concerning the offside front outer drive shaft constant velocity joint boot, which was found to be split or insecure and no longer preventing the ingress of dirt. The vehicle has subsequently passed an MOT, indicating the CV boot issue has been rectified, but it is essential to verify the nature of the work carried out and whether the constant velocity joint itself was contaminated and required replacement, or merely the boot was renewed. Looking back over the recent history, the 2025 test recorded an advisory regarding the offside rear tyre showing signs of damage, cracking, or perishing, and the 2023 test flagged both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit with edge wear. The 2024 test passed with no advisories. This pattern suggests an otherwise stable maintenance trend, with tyre wear being the recurring concern. The single major failure of the CV boot is an isolated but mechanically significant event that warrants close attention. With a recorded mileage of 49,583 miles over approximately eight years, this Toyota Proace averages around 6,198 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. There is no evidence in the MOT history of unusually large gaps between tests or rapid mileage accumulation, so the wear profile should be consistent with moderate commercial or family use. This level of annual mileage means the vehicle has likely seen regular running, which is generally beneficial for keeping mechanical seals, brake components, and drivetrain parts in working order, as opposed to the corrosion and binding issues that can arise from prolonged standing. For a prospective buyer, the CV boot failure is the most pressing concern requiring verification. The constant velocity joint is a sealed unit protected by flexible rubber boots filled with grease, and when the boot splits, grease escapes and moisture and dirt ingress, leading to accelerated wear of the joint internals. On a test drive, listen for a clicking or knocking noise from the front when turning at full lock, and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel or drivetrain under load. Inspect the area around the offside front wheel for fresh grease deposits and confirm whether a receipt or invoice exists for the repair, ideally with the mileage at which it was completed. If the joint itself was replaced rather than just the boot, this is far preferable. The previous advisories regarding front tyre edge wear suggest monitoring of the suspension geometry; uneven or one-sided wear can point to worn wishbone bushes, top mounts, or tracking misalignment, so a steady-state run on a straight road to check for pulling, and a visual check of the inner and outer tread shoulders across all four tyres, is advisable. The offside rear tyre advisory for cracking and perishing highlights that rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth, so physically inspect all tyres, including the spare if accessible, for sidewall cracking, bulging, or brittleness, particularly given the vehicle's age. Beyond the recorded defects, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants a broader age-related inspection regime. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as commercial vehicles often suffer from repeated short cycles that shorten battery life, and any hesitation or slow cranking on a cold start is a tell-tale sign. Check the condition of the brake discs and pads through the wheels, looking for scored or lipped front discs which suggest impending pad and disc renewal, and verify the handbrake holds firmly on an incline as seized rear calipers are common on vans that may have been left standing. Inspect the underside, suspension arms, and coil springs for corrosion, paying particular attention to the rear leaf springs or torsion beam mounting points. Confirm the service history and ensure all time-based fluid replacements have been carried out, including brake fluid (typically every two years), coolant, and gearbox or transmission oil if applicable. Finally, ensure that the CV boot repair has been professionally completed, as resolving this defect correctly is critical to the long-term drivetrain integrity of the vehicle.