2008 Toyota Auris 2.0L Diesel · FL58 AAY

The most recent MOT, carried out on 28 October 2022, was passed, with only an advisory concerning the off‑side front tyre being close to the legal limit and a minor crack in the off‑side front windscreen. Compared with the preceding years, the vehicle’s MOT record shows a clear shift from a series of failures in 2018‑2021 (including lighting faults, severe brake‑disc wear, a corroded rear brake pipe and tyre tread deficiencies) to two consecutive passes in 2020 and 2022. This suggests that the owner has addressed many of the critical safety items, although the persistence of tyre‑wear advisories indicates that wear‑related issues remain unresolved. At 200 604 miles the car has accumulated roughly 11 145 miles per annum over its 18‑year life, a usage pattern that sits squarely within the UK average for a family hatchback. The mileage is not excessive for the age, but it does place the vehicle in a regime where consumables such as tyres, brakes, suspension bushings and engine oil will be approaching the end of their service lives. There is no evidence of long mileage gaps that would indicate prolonged periods of storage, so the wear observed is likely the result of regular, on‑road operation rather than age‑related perishing alone. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the condition of all four tyres. The MOT history repeatedly flags the off‑side front, off‑side rear and near‑side rear tyres as being close to the legal tread limit, and a near‑side rear tyre was once recorded as dangerously low. Look for uneven wear patterns, sidewall cracking or dry rot, which can be exacerbated by mis‑aligned suspension or ageing rubber. During a test drive, listen for thumping or a hollow noise that may indicate a tyre that is close to failure, and feel for any vibration that could point to a worn or out‑of‑balance tyre. If any tyre is below 1.6 mm tread, it must be replaced immediately. The brake system also warrants thorough scrutiny. The MOT notes from 2018‑2019 show significant and obvious wear on both rear brake discs and a corroded rear brake pipe, while the 2019 advisory highlighted front discs that were already showing wear. Inspect the discs for scoring, glazing or deep rust, and check the calipers for uneven piston movement or fluid leakage. On a drive, monitor for any pulsation in the pedal, a high‑pitched squeal on initial application, or a soft, spongy feel that could indicate air ingress or worn pads. Additionally, verify that all exterior lighting functions correctly, especially the off‑side headlamp, position lamp and stop lamp, as these have been a recurrent failure point. Finally, examine the windscreen for the reported crack and ensure the washer system delivers a steady spray; a compromised washer can hide debris that may damage the glass further. Given the vehicle’s age, a full service check of the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and battery health is advisable, as fluids degrade over time even with modest mileage, and a 12‑volt battery that has been idle for periods can lose capacity. Addressing these items will give a clear picture of whether the car remains a safe and economical purchase.