1998 Toyota Hilux: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Toyota Hilux?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Toyota Hilux than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Wheel bearings3.1× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  19.5% All 1998 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1% of all 1998 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.

• Chassis rust or damage2.8× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  15.7% All 1998 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 1.9% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Rear fog light5.3× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  10% All 1998 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 1.9% of all 1998 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.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  12% All 1998 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.7% of all 1998 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  11.2% All 1998 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.2% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 1998 Toyota Hilux MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Toyota Hilux MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  42% 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
  40% 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
  25% 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.

• Tyres
  20% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 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 3.1× as often on the 1998 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1998 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 1998 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?