2004 Toyota Corolla 1.6L Petrol · PO54 WVK

The Corolla holds a current MOT pass dated 18 February 2026 at 223,264 miles, after a same-day failure on a defective number plate lamp, missing wheel stud and ineffective wiper was corrected. Recurring advisories show a mixed trend of repaired structure but worsening wear. The February 2025 test recorded a dangerous failure for nearside and offside rear inner body structure corrosion that reduced rigidity, yet the vehicle passed eleven days later at 219,663 miles implying repair. General under-chassis, suspension, exhaust and brake component corrosion appears every year from February 2024 to February 2026. Suspension condition moved from slight ball joint play in February 2025 to worn front arm bushes by February 2026. The front oil leak flagged in February 2024 persists unchanged. At 22 years old the recorded 223,264 miles equate to a typical 10,148 miles per annum. The odometer advanced 11,025 miles between the February 2024 test at 208,564 miles and the February 2025 failure at 219,589 miles, then only 3,675 miles to the February 2026 pass. This tapering use suggests lighter recent running or prolonged standing, a condition that often accelerates corrosion. The MOT history is continuous with no gaps and reveals both consumable neglect and structural intervention. A buyer must physically verify the rear inner body structure where the 2025 failure demanded rectification, checking for fresh welds, filler or underseal hiding ongoing rot. Testers flagged corroded rear brake pipes in 2024 and generalised brake component corrosion since; examine rear brake pipes, calipers and discs for pitting. Front suspension arm ball joints and bushes require lever testing, as both sides drew advisories across 2025 and 2026. The persistent front oil leak needs source identification, likely from crank seal or sump gasket. Minor failures like the inoperative plate lamp and missing road wheel fixing in 2026 indicate the previous owner deferred basic checks, though same-day correction shows reactive rather than preventative care. Given the age and mileage, budget for suspension bush replacement, brake pipe renewal and rust treatment.