2004 Toyota Alphard: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Toyota Alphard?

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

• Steering swivel joints9.1× usual
  Toyota Alphard

  10% All 2004 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usual
  Toyota Alphard

  18.3% All 2004 cars

  9.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, 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.

• Rear fog light3.9× usual
  Toyota Alphard

  5.8% All 2004 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 1.5% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Toyota Alphard MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  42% 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
  33% 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
  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.

• Brakes
  23% 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
  9% 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
  7% 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 2004 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 steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 9.1× as often on the 2004 Toyota Alphard as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2004 Toyota Alphard as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2004 Toyota Alphard as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?