2018 Toyota Auris 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · AD18 GDF

A recurring issue with the front inner brake pads defines the recent mechanical history of this vehicle, culminating in a dangerous failure on 7 January 2026 due to the offside front inner pads measuring less than 1.5mm. This follows a previous advisory for the same component in January 2025, indicating a progression of wear that was not rectified until the vehicle failed its most recent test. While the vehicle ultimately passed on the same day as the failure, the pattern of inner pad wear suggests a need for close inspection of the braking system's balance. The recorded mileage of 40,088 miles is low for a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 5,011 miles per year. This low annual accumulation typically results in less wear on major drivetrain components and suspension bushings compared to higher-mileage examples. However, such usage patterns can sometimes lead to the perishing of rubber components, which is evidenced by the March 2023 advisories regarding a perishing offside front tyre and stone cuts to the nearside front tyre. During a physical inspection, priority should be given to verifying the current thickness and wear pattern of the front brake pads to ensure the 2026 failure was fully addressed with a matched pair of pads and a check of the caliper slide pins. On a test drive, the buyer should feel for any steering pull under braking or a lack of pedal firmness, which could indicate issues with the braking system's efficiency or uneven pad contact. Attention should also be paid to the current condition of all tyres, specifically looking for sidewall cracking or perishing similar to the defects noted in 2023. The buyer should listen for any unusual knocks or rattles from the front suspension when driving over uneven surfaces, ensuring that the low mileage has not masked any degradation of the rubber bushings or coil springs.