2019 Toyota Proace: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Toyota Proace?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Toyota Proace than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Number plate lights8.5× usual
  Toyota Proace

  9.3% All 2019 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.4% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Toyota Proace

  14.4% All 2019 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Engine oil leaks9.2× usual
  Toyota Proace

  5.5% All 2019 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Wipers2× usual
  Toyota Proace

  6.4% All 2019 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Headlights4.1× usual
  Toyota Proace

  3.3% All 2019 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.8% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2019 Toyota Proace MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Toyota Proace MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  24% 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
  22% 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
  18% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  7% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  3% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Toyota Proace

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

1. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 8.5× as often on the 2019 Toyota Proace as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2019 Toyota Proace as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 9.2× as often on the 2019 Toyota Proace as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?