Used car guide

1996 Toyota Landcruiser: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1996 Toyota Landcruisers, from 149 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 149 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

149MOT tests in 2025
71%pass first time (all 1996 cars: 67%)
6,100typical miles a year
35%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 1996 Toyota Landcruiser MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    35% 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.

  • Brakes
    32% 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 electrics
    32% 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 bodywork
    27% 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 leaks
    23% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    16% 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 Landcruiser?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2012110Suspension 25%
2011180Brakes 32%
2010316Suspension 35%
2009144Suspension 36%
2008182Suspension 31%
2007329Suspension 48%
2006429Suspension 46%
2005524Suspension 42%
2004638Suspension 42%
2003522Suspension 42%
2002473Suspension 44%
2001452Suspension 45%
2000379Suspension 47%
1999428Suspension 43%
1998389Suspension 47%
1997433Suspension 40%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1996 Toyota Landcruisers registered in 1996. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score