Used car guide

2003 Toyota HI-ACE: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Toyota HI-ACEs, from 244 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 244 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

244MOT tests in 2025
62%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
6,800typical miles a year
3.2×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Toyota HI-ACEs than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.2× usual
    Toyota HI-ACE
    21.3% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 3.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Wheel bearings3.3× usual
    Toyota HI-ACE
    12.7% All 2003 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

By area

The share of 2003 Toyota HI-ACE MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    51% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    37% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    30% 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.

  • Tyres
    23% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    23% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    15% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2011360Lights and electrics 33%
2010595Lights and electrics 37%
2009664Suspension 39%
20081,129Suspension 41%
20071,233Suspension 45%
2006434Suspension 46%
2005304Suspension 48%
2004283Suspension 51%
2002169Suspension 48%
2001253Suspension 49%
2000203Suspension 59%
1999274Suspension 52%
1998263Suspension 52%
1997165Suspension 52%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Toyota HI-ACEs registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score