2000 Toyota Hilux: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Toyota Hilux?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Toyota Hilux than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Wheel bearings4.3× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  22% All 2000 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.1% of all 2000 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 damage3.1× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  15.6% All 2000 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 1.8% of all 2000 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.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  13.3% All 2000 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.2% of all 2000 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.

• Rear fog light4.9× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  8.9% All 2000 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 1.7% of all 2000 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 2000 Toyota Hilux MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 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
  45% 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
  45% 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
  38% 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
  26% 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
  18% 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 2000 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 4.3× as often on the 2000 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2000 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2000 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?