1996 Toyota Hilux: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Toyota Hilux?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Toyota Hilux than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Wheel bearings1.9× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  13.6% All 1996 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 1.2% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rear fog light2.6× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  7.1% All 1996 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.6% of all 1996 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.

• Drag link end5× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  4.5% All 1996 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.3% of all 1996 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. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Sidelights2× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  7.7% All 1996 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 3.2% of all 1996 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 1996 Toyota Hilux MOT failures and advisories

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

• Lights and electrics
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  37% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  21% 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
  16% 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
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Toyota Hilux

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1996 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1996 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drag link end? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 1996 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?