2004 Toyota Corolla 1.6L Petrol · FA04 UBK

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding structural integrity and persistent braking issues. While the most recent test in June 2023 at 129,323 miles passed, it flagged a severely deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and fluctuating front brakes. This follows a significant failure in June 2022 due to excessive corrosion on the offside rear suspension mounting area. The data suggests that while the car is passing, the underlying structural rust and mechanical components are beginning to degrade. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 129,323 miles is notably low, averaging approximately 5,878 miles per year. This low usage pattern often correlates with the types of faults observed in the record. Between June 2020 and June 2023, the vehicle covered 20,397 miles, indicating consistent low-speed use. However, long periods of standing can contribute to the accelerated corrosion of rubber components and metal, as evidenced by the recurring structural issues noted on the inner wheel arches and chassis. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the inner sills and wheel arch areas to assess the extent of the corrosion noted in 2022. The tester previously flagged significant structural strength reduction on the offside rear suspension mounting, which is a critical safety concern for an older vehicle. Furthermore, the braking system shows a clear history of neglect; from 2020 through to 2023, tests consistently recorded fluctuating brakes, uneven application, and binding calipers. The front calipers and discs should be inspected to ensure the system is properly synchronised and not suffering from excessive wear due to seized pistons.