What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Daihatsu Hijet.
The Daihatsu Hijet occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Daihatsu Hijet range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Daihatsu Hijet? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
S80-S85 (1986–1998) — Engine options included the 1.0 EF-VE, 1.3 HC-C. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Subframe and mounting point corrosion (£800–£2,000 to address).
S100-S110 (1999–2009) — Engine options included the 1.3 HC-EJ, 1.3 K3-VE. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Subframe and mounting point corrosion (£800–£2,000 to address).
The 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.
Structural failure around suspension mounting points can cause sudden loss of vehicle control and wheel detachment. Repair requires welding new metal sections and is often uneconomical given the vehicle's value. Affected vehicles should not be driven until professional structural assessment confirms safety.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
MOT 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.
Worn suspension components reduce vehicle control and accelerate tyre wear. Multiple component failure is common and typically requires comprehensive suspension overhaul. Vehicle remains driveable but handling becomes progressively worse and MOT failure is inevitable.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
MOT 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.
Brake imbalance creates dangerous stopping characteristics and vehicle instability under braking. Complete brake system overhaul is typically required including calipers, cylinders and all rubber seals. Vehicle should not be driven with significant brake defects.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
MOT 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.
Excessive steering column play reduces driver control and can lead to MOT failure. Repair requires steering column dismantling and bearing replacement. Vehicle remains driveable but steering precision is compromised.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The 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.
Progressive body corrosion reduces structural integrity and can affect safety-related mounting points. Extensive welding repairs are typically uneconomical. Vehicle may still pass MOT depending on location and severity of corrosion.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Daihatsu Hijet common problems page.
Based on 6k real DVSA MOT tests, the Daihatsu Hijet fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is headlight fault at 1859x the fleet average, followed by load sensing valve seized or inoperative and ab... (437x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Daihatsu Hijet MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 6k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Daihatsu Hijet service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Daihatsu Hijet has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Daihatsu Hijet, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Daihatsu Hijet issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.