Toyota Surf (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 115 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2982cc Diesel

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2982cc21 years old115 tests182k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2982cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

81% of MOT tests on Toyota Surfs from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 115 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 182,405 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models122nd of 504(top 25%)

Rank among Toyota models570th of 970(bottom half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+9%(72% avg)

vs Toyota average-3%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

182,405

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Toyota Surf had 182,405 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2005 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Surf by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2007	82%	33	181,722 mi
2006	78%	64	175,914 mi
2005	81%	115	182,405 mi
2004	70%	147	196,994 mi
2003	82%	128	174,072 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2005 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

-3%

Land Rover Discovery

2006 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

-3%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2006 · 2720cc Diesel

£2,491/year

81%

same

Audi A4

2004 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,641/year

74%

-7%

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About the 2005 Toyota Surf

The 2005 Toyota Surf is a large car. Our records list a 2982cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 115 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 25% of all 2005 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 182,405 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Surf owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2005 Toyota Surf Fuel Costs

The 2982cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2005 Toyota Surf?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Surf Reliability Trend

Older Toyota Surfs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 7 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 2005 Toyota Surf

At 21 years old, the Toyota Surf is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 82%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 182k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2005 Toyota Surf stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Toyota Surf(2005)	81%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491
BMW 3 Series(2005)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641+£150
Land Rover Discovery(2006)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£150
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2006)	81%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Audi A4(2004)	74%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2005 Toyota Surf

Is the 2005 Toyota Surf reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2005 Toyota Surfs ended in a pass, from 115 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Toyota Surf cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Toyota Surf?

81% of 115 MOT tests on the 2005 Toyota Surf ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 122nd of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top 25%).

Which year Toyota Surf has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 Toyota Surf has the highest MOT pass rate at 82% and the 2004 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2005 Toyota Surf?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Toyota Surf is 182,405 miles, which is above the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.