1997 · 27 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1997 Toyota Hi-Ace MOT pass rate and common faults

148 MOT tests in 2024. 62.8% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time62.8%
Failed or needed repairs37.2%
Typical mileage at test157,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 148 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.1%
  2. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced5.4%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively5.4%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.1%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.7%
  7. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush2.7%
  8. Flexible brake hoses: excessively deteriorated2.7%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low2.0%
  10. Rear fog lamp: not working2.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics24.3%
  2. Suspension20.3%
  3. Brakes18.9%
  4. Body & chassis17.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks4.1%
  7. Seat belts & airbags3.4%
  8. Tyres2.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.6%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.5%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.8%
  4. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced10.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Hi-Ace years1998 Hi-Ace →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace?

In 2024, 62.8% of 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace cars passed their MOT first time, across 148 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).