2012 Toyota Hilux 2.5L Diesel · YR62 KYJ

The 2012 Toyota Hilux presents a generally sound mechanical picture, though the most recent MOT on 1 October 2025 at 99,415 miles flags early-stage suspension wear that warrants attention. Both rear shock absorbers are showing deterioration, with the offside unit misting oil and the nearside casing carrying slight external damage. These are not yet dangerous failures, but they mark a shift from the clean bills of health recorded in 2023 and 2024. The trend is neither sharply worsening nor fully resolving; rather, it suggests the rear damping components are entering a wear phase typical for a working vehicle of this age. The light misting recorded in October 2022 on the same offside rear unit indicates this has been a slow-developing issue across three years, not a sudden failure. Mileage accumulation is steady and entirely typical for a 14-year-old commercial vehicle, averaging roughly 7,100 miles per year. The record shows consistent annual increments: 84,575 miles in October 2022, 89,773 in September 2023, 94,822 in October 2024, and 99,415 in October 2025. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps that would suggest prolonged standing or odometer anomalies. The vehicle has been used regularly but not excessively, which supports even component wear rather than neglect-related deterioration. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension and braking systems. The recurring offside rear shock absorber oil misting, now accompanied by nearside casing damage, means both rear dampers will likely need replacement in the near term. Check the rear brake setup thoroughly, as the nearside front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in October 2022, and while no further brake defects have appeared since, a working Hilux accumulates pad and disc wear unevenly depending on load and terrain. Inspect all suspension bushes, coil spring mountings, and the rear beam axle area for corrosion or cracking, particularly if the vehicle has been used for towing or carried heavy loads on rough ground. The clean MOT record between 2021 and 2024 suggests competent routine servicing, but the emerging suspension faults indicate the next owner should budget for damper replacement and a thorough underbody inspection before committing.