2002 Toyota MR2 1.8L Petrol · AV02 YDS

The November 2025 test at 120,551 miles returned a pass, yet the tester recorded slight play in both front lower suspension arm ball joints, marking a clear deterioration from the clean 2023 certificate. A worsening trend is evident: the 2022 test flagged rear brake pads wearing thin and steering column universal joint wear, which escalated into a November 2024 failure for nearside rear brake binding, parking brake inefficiency, and a tyre worn to the limit. Mileage sits at 120,551 miles across 24 years, averaging roughly 5,000 miles annually, though recent intervals show only 1,500 to 1,700 miles per year between tests. This low, consistent accumulation suggests the car has spent long periods stationary, a pattern that often accelerates brake seizure and suspension bush degradation despite the modest odometer reading. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry, specifically the lower ball joints and associated control arm bushes, as play at the MOT limit often precedes rapid wear. The rear braking system demands close scrutiny; the binding caliper and parking brake failure recorded in 2024 indicate potential caliper seizure or cable corrosion that a simple pad change may not resolve. Verify the steering column universal joint for the play noted in 2022, and check the rear tyre wear pattern for alignment issues. Given the age, a ramp inspection for structural corrosion on the sills and subframes remains essential.