2019 Toyota C-HR 1.8L Hybrid electric · EA51 ALV

The Toyota C-HR’s most recent MOT in December 2025 at 57,078 miles shows a clear deterioration in key areas compared to its clean bill of health just 11 months earlier. While the vehicle passed, the tester flagged multiple serious advisories: front tyres worn to near-legal limits with edge wear—indicating alignment or suspension issues—and front brake discs pitted and scored, paired with thinning rear pads. The suspension lower arm rear bushes were also noted as worn, suggesting a trend of deferred maintenance on core safety systems. This is a marked shift from the January 2025 test, where no defects were recorded, implying either recent neglect or a sudden change in driving conditions. The presence of binding or unevenly worn components now demands immediate attention before structural or safety risks escalate. Mileage accumulation has been steady but unremarkable, averaging around 8,154 miles per year over seven years, which aligns with typical usage for this age group. The gaps between tests are irregular: a 10-month interval between the 2023 and 2024 entries, followed by a 12-month stretch without testing until January 2025. This inconsistency raises questions about whether the vehicle was stored or driven lightly during those periods, though the December 2025 advisories suggest recent use rather than dormancy. The lack of defects in the 2023 and 2025 tests contrasts sharply with the recurring tyre and wiper issues in 2022, hinting at intermittent basic upkeep rather than systematic neglect. For a buyer, the priority must be a thorough inspection of the front brake system, given the pitted discs and thinning pads—both signs of potential binding or uneven wear that could lead to failure. The front tyres’ edge wear and near-legal tread depth should be verified immediately, as this often points to misalignment or worn suspension bushes, which the MOT already confirmed. The rear suspension bushes, while not yet critical, should be checked for play or hardening, as their wear may accelerate if left unaddressed. Structural integrity checks are less urgent here, but a close look at wheel arches and underbody corrosion—especially around the rear—would be prudent given the vehicle’s age and the previous tyre damage advisories. The wiper blades, though minor, indicate a history of deferred consumable replacements, a pattern that may extend to other easily overlooked items.