Used car guide

2003 Toyota Hiace: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Toyota Hiaces, from 542 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

542MOT tests in 2025
58%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
6,800typical miles a year
3×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Toyota Hiaces than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings3× usual
    Toyota Hiace
    19.9% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 12.4%, 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.

  • Chassis rust or damage3.2× usual
    Toyota Hiace
    12.7% All 2003 cars
    4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Wheel bearings2.8× usual
    Toyota Hiace
    10.7% All 2003 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, 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.

  • Anti-roll bar link bushes4.2× usual
    Toyota Hiace
    8.3% All 2003 cars
    2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

    At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

  • Body structure rust or damage2.7× usual
    Toyota Hiace
    9.6% All 2003 cars
    3.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

Better than most

Engine oil leaks: 6.6% here, against 16.2% of all 2003 cars. Brake discs: 5.4% here, against 12.7% of all 2003 cars.

By area

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

  • Suspension
    48% 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
    35% 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
    34% 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
    25% 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 Hiace?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2006882Suspension 44%
2005788Suspension 48%
2004663Suspension 50%

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