Used car guide

2004 Toyota Previa: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Toyota Previas, from 647 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

647MOT tests in 2025
53%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 58%)
6,800typical miles a year
2.7×the usual rate for headlights

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2004 Toyota Previas than on all cars registered in 2004.

  • Headlights2.7× usual
    Toyota Previa
    36.8% All 2004 cars
    13.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 11.6%, against 4.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

  • Coil springs3.1× usual
    Toyota Previa
    33.8% All 2004 cars
    10.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 2.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At 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.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints2.8× usual
    Toyota Previa
    26.9% All 2004 cars
    9.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
    Toyota Previa
    28.9% All 2004 cars
    15.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Steering swivel joints10.6× usual
    Toyota Previa
    11.7% All 2004 cars
    1.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.1% of all 2004 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.

By area

The share of 2004 Toyota Previa MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    65% 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
    53% 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
    46% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    32% 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.

  • Tyres
    29% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    22% 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 Previa?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2005577Suspension 62%
2003550Suspension 64%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 Toyota Previas registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score