2003 Toyota Land Cruiser: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser?

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

• Chassis rust or damage3.9× usual
  Toyota Land Cruiser

  15.4% All 2003 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.2% of all 2003 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Toyota Land Cruiser

  13.3% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.1× usual
  Toyota Land Cruiser

  5.5% All 2003 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes2.8× usual
  Toyota Land Cruiser

  5.6% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Wheel bearings2× usual
  Toyota Land Cruiser

  7.6% All 2003 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 1.3% of all 2003 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.

Common 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  46% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  24% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  14% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Tyres
  14% 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 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser

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

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?