2018 Toyota Avensis 1.8L Petrol · DN18 EPK

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend is clearly deteriorating due to a recurring pattern of failure at the rear axle and suspension. The most recent test on 2026-04-13 passed with no faults, yet the engine oil misting in the rear shock absorbers suggests that the oil supply is being drained or that the seals are failing, creating a persistent leak risk. This deterioration is confirmed by the subsequent MOTs in 2025 and 2024, where the same rear shock absorbers were flagged for misting oil, indicating that the fluid level is dropping and the seals are no longer providing adequate lubrication. The engine oil misting in the rear shock absorbers is a recurring fault that has been present in the last two years, suggesting that basic upkeep was skipped and that the system is now prone to premature failure. The mileage accumulation is significant, with the vehicle reaching 109,292 miles by 2026, which places it at approximately 13,662 miles per year. This high consumption rate is particularly concerning given that the car is only eight years old; any rapid increase in mileage over a short period often indicates that the owner has been using the vehicle heavily without replacing consumables like oil filters, brake pads, or tyres as planned. The gap between the 2023-03-28 test and the 2026-06-17 date is substantial, covering over two years of driving, which suggests that the vehicle has accumulated wear on critical components such as the suspension bushings, brake discs, and exhaust emissions, all of which are subject to the same level of degradation. Given the history of oil misting on the rear shocks and the high mileage, the buyer should immediately inspect the rear suspension bushes for rust and corrosion, check the brake pads for wear, and verify the exhaust system for emissions. The structural integrity of the chassis and the alignment of the wheels must also be confirmed, as the repeated failure of the rear shock absorbers and the worn tyres indicate that the vehicle is in a state of continuous, uncorrected damage. The current roadworthiness status is therefore not a guarantee of safety due to these specific mechanical faults, but rather a warning that the vehicle requires immediate professional inspection to prevent further structural compromise.