Toyota is the most inspected make in the Instant Auto Reach Inspection Index, at 53 of 181 reports. The badge has a strong reputation, and many of these cars earned it. But 22 of the 35 severity-rated Toyotas had at least one major or critical finding.
The Toyotas we inspected
The Median Toyota had 130,186 km on it, higher than the Index overall.
| Model group | Reports |
|---|---|
| Prado, LandCruiser and FJ Cruiser | 9 |
| Corolla | 8 |
| Hilux | 7 |
| HiAce and Commuter | 5 |
| Prius, Crown and other hybrids and imports | 13 |
| Yaris, Camry, RAV4, Kluger, 86, Supra | 11 |
How did they rate?
Of the 44 Toyotas with a stated overall condition:
| Rating | Cars |
|---|---|
| Very good or excellent | 11 |
| Good | 19 |
| Fair | 10 |
| Poor | 4 |
That is 32% fair or poor, almost the same as the 30% across all makes. Toyotas were not worse than other cars. They were also not immune.
The best
- A 2023 Land Cruiser 300 VX at 36,570 km: very good, full history, clear PPSR, factory chassis.
- A 2025 Vellfire Hybrid at 9,019 km: excellent, with all nine hybrid battery blocks closely balanced.
- A 2011 Hilux at 271,809 km: good, with injector readings in range and no blow-by.
The worst
- A 2012 RAV4 at 171,871 km: poor, with critical engine blow-by.
- A 2008 Crown Athlete at 80,343 km: poor, stalling on the road test.
- A 2007 RAV4 past 300,000 km: poor, with significant oil leaks and all tyres worn out. Our inspector’s advice was not to proceed.
- A 2014 Corolla Ascent at 180,991 km: engine rattle at idle and an oil leak. Do not proceed.
What goes wrong on used Toyotas
The same things that go wrong on everything else, in roughly the same order:
- Front lower control arm bushes. Cracked on Corollas, a Prius, a Yaris, an FJ Cruiser and a Hilux.
- Low coolant and oil leaks on older, higher-kilometre cars.
- 4WD hardware. Rear diff locks that would not engage on two Hiluxes and an FJ Cruiser.
- Body history. Three of eight Corollas showed previous body or structural repair.
We go deeper in our model pages: Hilux, Prado and LandCruiser and Corolla.
Why Toyotas get bought without inspection
Because people trust them. That trust is exactly what a seller of a tired one relies on. One reviewer told us they inspected a few cars with us that turned out to be lemons before finding the right one.
HiAce vans and Hiluxes are also popular with businesses. If you are buying more than one, a fleet vehicle inspection rates each on the same scale.
Book a Toyota inspection in Melbourne or see the full numbers in what 181 Melbourne inspections found.
A Toyota Badge Is Not an Inspection
Toyotas earn their reputation, but 22 of the 35 we rated in detail still had a major or critical fault. Bushes, coolant, oil leaks, 4WD hardware and body history do not care what badge is on the bonnet.
Our Toyota inspections check the things these models actually wear out, from Corolla control arm bushes to HiAce power steering and Hilux diff locks. Same-day reports, 7 days a week.
CUSTOMER REVIEW
“Ray was super courteous and attentive. Very professional service. Highly recommend for pre purchase inspection. We felt very supported in our decision to buy. Thanks.”
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