2012 Toyota Auris 1.6L Petrol · EX12 VSA

A pattern of progressive brake‑disc wear, front tyre edge wear and a noted defect in the central rear exhaust mounting dominates this 2012 Auris’s MOT history; the most recent test on 21 February 2026 recorded only advisories and no outright failures, confirming that the vehicle continues to meet the statutory minimum despite those recurring issues. With 82,985 mi logged over roughly fourteen years the average annual mileage sits at about 5,900 mi, well below the typical UK usage rate. The MOT record shows a full year‑by‑year testing sequence with no large mileage jumps, suggesting a relatively steady, low‑intensity usage pattern rather than periods of intensive short‑term running. Low cumulative mileage can reduce overall wear on major power‑train components, yet it may also indicate that the car has spent extended periods stationary, which can promote rubber hardening and corrosion in hidden areas. The repeated advisories concerning front and rear brake discs being “worn, pitted or scored” point to thinning friction surfaces that are approaching the point where replacement will be required. On a road test, listen for a pulsating or grinding sensation under heavy braking, and feel for any increase in pedal travel or sponginess. Measuring disc thickness with a micrometer is advisable; if the minimum specification is approached, budgeting for a disc set (and possibly new pads) should be part of any purchase plan. Tyre wear advice appears in three consecutive years, with both front tyres flagged as close to the legal limit and a nail identified in a rear tyre. Inspect tread depth across the width of each tyre, watch for sidewall cuts or bulges, and verify that the nail has been properly removed and the tyre repaired or replaced. Uneven front‑tyre wear can also signal mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes, so during a test drive check for a pull to one side, vibration through the steering wheel, or clunking over bumps that might indicate deteriorated bushings or steering linkage wear. Replacing the front tyres and confirming correct wheel alignment will be essential to restore balanced handling.