1999 Toyota HI-ACE: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1999 Toyota HI-ACEs, from 274 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 274 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1999 Toyota HI-ACEs than on all cars registered in 1999.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usualToyota HI-ACE20.8% All 1999 cars8.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 10.9%, against 4.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Coil springs2.5× usualToyota HI-ACE19.3% All 1999 cars7.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 1.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
- Chassis rust or damage2.5× usualToyota HI-ACE15% All 1999 cars5.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Ball joint2.5× usualToyota HI-ACE13.1% All 1999 cars5.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.8% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
By area
The share of 1999 Toyota HI-ACE MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension52% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes34% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics32% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Rust and bodywork26% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Tyres23% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks18% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Looking at a Toyota HI-ACE?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 360 | Lights and electrics 33% |
| 2010 | 595 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 2009 | 664 | Suspension 39% |
| 2008 | 1,129 | Suspension 41% |
| 2007 | 1,233 | Suspension 45% |
| 2006 | 434 | Suspension 46% |
| 2005 | 304 | Suspension 48% |
| 2004 | 283 | Suspension 51% |
| 2003 | 244 | Suspension 51% |
| 2002 | 169 | Suspension 48% |
| 2001 | 253 | Suspension 49% |
| 2000 | 203 | Suspension 59% |
| 1998 | 263 | Suspension 52% |
| 1997 | 165 | Suspension 52% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1999 Toyota HI-ACEs registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score