2009 Toyota IQ 1.0L Petrol · AF09 TYZ

The defining mechanical story of this 2009 Toyota IQ is one of chronic, recurring tyre and brake wear flagged across nearly every test in the DVSA record, with no outright failures but a persistent pattern of advisories that a buyer should not overlook. The most recent test on 24 March 2026 returned a pass, but it carried an advisory for thinning front brake pads alongside a nearside rear tire worn close to the legal limit on its edge, continuing a trend visible as far back as the 2018 test. Across the eight recorded examinations, front tire edge wear, rear tire deterioration, and brake component wear have appeared repeatedly, with rear brake disc wear and a binding nearside rear service brake first surfacing in March 2025. The windscreen has also accumulated minor damage recorded in four separate tests since 2018, though each instance was deemed not to obstruct the driver's view. Taken together, the pattern suggests a vehicle that passes its tests but generates a steady stream of component advisories rather than a clean record. Annual mileage on this Toyota IQ averages around 5,676 miles per year over its seventeen-year life, which is unusually low and suggests either sporadic use or extended periods off the road. The MOT gap between February 2021 and April 2019 is worth noting, though the vehicle appears to have remained in service during that period. The recorded mileages implied by the test history show broadly consistent accumulation rather than sudden spikes, which reduces the likelihood of major mechanical shock loads such as those associated with high-mileage motorway use. However, low annual mileage on a vehicle of this age carries its own considerations, particularly for brake discs, calipers, and flexible hoses that can suffer from corrosion and seizure during prolonged underuse, as evidenced by the binding rear brake advisory in 2025 and the rear disc wear noted in the same test. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priorities are the tyres and brake components that have been flagged so regularly. A close inspection of all four tyres is essential, with particular attention to the nearside and offside front edges for uneven wear patterns that could indicate worn suspension bushings, weak shock absorbers, or incorrect tracking. The rear tyres should be checked for cracking, perishing, and sidewall damage given the advisories recorded in 2018 and 2025. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would point to deteriorating anti-roll bar bushings common on small city cars of this era. The steering should be checked for any pulling to one side under braking, and the brake pedal should feel firm without any sponginess that could indicate corroded brake lines, a particular risk on a low-mileage vehicle that may have been exposed to road salt during winter lay-ups. The brake system warrants direct scrutiny before purchase, particularly given the advisory for binding on the nearside rear service brake and the rear brake disc wear noted in 2025. With the engine running and the handbrake released, a walkaround to listen for any grinding or rubbing from the rear wheels can reveal a seized caliper or sticking slider, which would explain the binding advisory and cause uneven pad wear. The front brake pads should be physically inspected for remaining material thickness, and the discs checked for lipping or scoring. Test the handbrake holding capability on an incline, as rear brake components on low-mileage vehicles often suffer from surface corrosion even when pad material remains adequate. Finally, inspect the underside for any signs of corrosion around the rear axle area, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe unions, paying close attention to the flexible sections of brake hose which deteriorate with age regardless of mileage and can be a hidden cost on a seventeen-year-old vehicle.