1997 Toyota Land Cruiser: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1997 Toyota Land Cruisers, from 351 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 351 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 1997 Toyota Land Cruisers than on all cars registered in 1997.
- Chassis rust or damage2.3× usualToyota Land Cruiser14% All 1997 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2.1% of all 1997 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.
By area
The share of 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension40% 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.
- Brakes29% 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 electrics26% 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 bodywork24% 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.
- 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.
- Exhaust and emissions13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
Looking at a Toyota Land Cruiser?
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 950 | Tyres 12% |
| 2021 | 461 | Brakes 15% |
| 2020 | 419 | Brakes 20% |
| 2019 | 591 | Brakes 18% |
| 2018 | 598 | Tyres 15% |
| 2017 | 443 | Brakes 17% |
| 2016 | 590 | Brakes 17% |
| 2015 | 715 | Brakes 21% |
| 2014 | 664 | Brakes 24% |
| 2013 | 323 | Brakes 27% |
| 2012 | 287 | Brakes 26% |
| 2011 | 263 | Suspension 28% |
| 2010 | 292 | Brakes 32% |
| 2009 | 248 | Suspension 38% |
| 2008 | 400 | Suspension 42% |
| 2007 | 637 | Suspension 45% |
| 2006 | 693 | Suspension 44% |
| 2005 | 1,006 | Suspension 45% |
| 2004 | 939 | Suspension 46% |
| 2003 | 713 | Suspension 46% |
| 2002 | 526 | Suspension 45% |
| 2001 | 519 | Suspension 47% |
| 2000 | 349 | Suspension 44% |
| 1999 | 391 | Suspension 47% |
| 1998 | 380 | Suspension 41% |
| 1996 | 203 | Suspension 35% |
| 1995 | 170 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 1994 | 183 | Suspension 33% |
| 1993 | 158 | Suspension 31% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1997 Toyota Land Cruisers registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score