2003 Toyota Alphard: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Toyota Alphard?

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

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  Toyota Alphard

  18.3% All 2003 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 1.9% of all 2003 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.

• Steering swivel joints9× usual
  Toyota Alphard

  9% All 2003 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.1% 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.

• Brake pads1.9× usual
  Toyota Alphard

  13.1% All 2003 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Rear fog light3.4× usual
  Toyota Alphard

  5.5% All 2003 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Link ball joint covers2.7× usual
  Toyota Alphard

  6.1% All 2003 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2003 Toyota Alphard MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  39% 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
  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.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Brakes
  26% 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
  10% 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
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Toyota Alphard

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Toyota Alphard as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 9× as often on the 2003 Toyota Alphard as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Toyota Alphard as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?