Daihatsu Hijet car check
Find out if a Hijet has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.
- MOT failure rate
- 32.7%11k tests
- Known problems
- 5across S80-S85 to S100-S110
- Full report
- £7.49one-off, no subscription
Which Hijet are you looking at?
Each Hijet generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.
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Subframe and mounting point corrosion
Safety risk S80-S85, S100-S110The Hijet's lightweight commercial construction combines thin steel panels with a simple chassis design that is highly vulnerable to structural corrosion. MOT data shows this model fails at 58.4x the fleet average for load-bearing structure deterioration around suspension mounting points, with the problem worsening over time. The combination of road salt exposure, minimal undersealing, and the high loading typical of commercial use accelerates corrosion around critical mounting points. This is a safety-critical defect that can lead to suspension collapse.
What to check: Inspect the rear spring mounting points on the chassis rails - look for rust staining, flaking metal, or visible holes in the metal around where the leaf springs bolt to the chassis. Check the front subframe mounting points where it bolts to the main chassis - probe any rust patches with a screwd...
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Suspension component wear
Wear item S80-S85, S100-S110MOT data shows the Hijet fails at 364x the fleet average for suspension component wear, typically affecting bushes, pins and joints. The vehicle's commercial loading pattern and basic suspension design with simple leaf springs at the rear accelerates wear on rubber components. The front suspension uses basic MacPherson struts with multiple rubber mounting points that deteriorate rapidly under commercial use conditions.
What to check: Rock the vehicle side-to-side while stationary and listen for knocking noises from the suspension components. Visually inspect all rubber bushes around the suspension arms for cracking, deterioration or separation from their metal housings. Check the front anti-roll bar drop links for excessive p...
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Brake system imbalance and efficiency loss
Safety and MOT risk S80-S85, S100-S110MOT data shows the Hijet suffers brake imbalance at 103x the fleet average and overall brake efficiency problems at 53x the average. The combination of basic brake components, commercial loading patterns, and limited maintenance typically leads to caliper seizure and uneven brake performance. Rear drum brakes are particularly susceptible to water ingress and corrosion affecting the adjusters and wheel cylinders.
What to check: Check brake fluid level and colour - dark or contaminated fluid indicates overdue maintenance. Look for brake fluid leaks around wheel cylinders at the rear drums and caliper pistons at the front. Check for uneven brake disc wear or scoring that indicates caliper problems. Test the handbrake oper...
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Steering column bearing wear
Wear item S80-S85, S100-S110MOT data shows the Hijet fails at 184x the fleet average for steering column top bearing wear. The steering column design uses a simple bearing arrangement at the top of the column that wears rapidly under commercial use conditions. This creates excessive play between the steering wheel and the steering mechanism, affecting precision and safety.
What to check: With the engine off, grip the steering wheel and try to rock it up and down - excessive movement indicates worn column bearing. Turn the steering wheel left and right while stationary and feel for any looseness or play before the wheels begin to turn. Check for any visible wear or movement at the...
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General body corrosion
Safety and MOT risk S80-S85, S100-S110The Hijet's thin commercial-grade steel bodywork and minimal factory corrosion protection makes it highly susceptible to rust damage. Door frames, sill sections, and the rear loading area are particularly vulnerable to water retention and subsequent corrosion.
What to check: Inspect all door frames and sill sections for rust bubbling, holes, or structural weakness. Check the rear loading area floor for rust perforation, especially around the wheel arches. Look for rust staining around door hinges, handles, and window frames. Check the tailgate and its mounting points...
We haven’t flagged any common problems for this generation in our data yet. A history check still tells you about finance, write-offs and theft, and the MOT history shows how this particular car has been looked after.
Hijet MOT results
of Hijet MOT tests end in a fail, from 11,015 tests.
Most common reasons for failing
- Headlight faultLights & Electrics
- Load sensing valve seized or inoperative and AB...Brakes
- Coil springs brokenSuspension
Check the Hijet you’re buying
One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.
What the check includes
- Outstanding finance Experian
- Write-off status Experian
- Stolen vehicle check Experian
- Previous owners and keeper history Experian
- MOT history and advisories DVSA
- Mileage check DVSA
- Known problems for its generation GetCarWise
- How many are left on the road DVLA
Hijet questions
Is the Daihatsu Hijet reliable?
32.7% of Hijet models fail their MOT based on 11,015 tests analysed. That’s below average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being subframe and mounting point corrosion. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.
What are the main problems with a Daihatsu Hijet?
The most serious known issues are subframe and mounting point corrosion, suspension component wear, brake system imbalance and efficiency loss. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific Hijet has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.
How do I check if a Daihatsu Hijet has outstanding finance?
Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.
How do I check if a Daihatsu Hijet has been written off?
Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N Hijet has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.
Can I check a Daihatsu Hijet for free?
You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.
Is a Daihatsu Hijet HPI check worth it?
HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known Hijet faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.
What does a Daihatsu Hijet fail its MOT on?
The most common MOT failure on the Hijet is headlight fault. 32.7% of Hijet models fail overall, based on 11,015 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.
More on the Hijet
Other Daihatsu car checks
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.