2016 Toyota Avensis 1.6L Diesel · FD16 KLS

The most recent MOT, carried out on 23 May 2025, resulted in a Pass with a single advisory noting a front‑engine oil leak that was not deemed excessive. Over the past three years the pattern has been mixed: several passes interspersed with two failures – one for a reversing lamp and another for a severely damaged front track‑rod dust cover – and a recurring series of minor lamp faults and advisory items such as ball‑joint play and thin rear inner brake pads. While the vehicle has managed to clear the majority of its tests, the recurrence of suspension and brake advisories indicates a maintenance trend that is holding but not improving, and a few key components will need attention before the next service. At 180 725 miles the Avensis has logged roughly 18 000 miles per annum, well above the typical 10‑12 000 miles expected for a ten‑year‑old family saloon. This level of utilisation accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brake linings, suspension bushes and engine oil seals, and can exacerbate corrosion in components that have been subject to frequent heating and cooling cycles. The mileage record shows no obvious long‑term storage periods, suggesting the car has been driven regularly, which is generally positive for battery health but also means that any latent wear will be more advanced than on a lower‑mileage equivalent. A prospective buyer should give the front oil leak immediate scrutiny. Verify the exact source – a valve‑cover gasket, oil filter housing or oil cooler – and inspect the engine bay and under‑carriage for oil staining or drips that could indicate a worsening seal. While the leak was not excessive at the last test, a gradual increase could lead to low oil level, reduced lubrication and eventual engine wear. During a test drive listen for a low‑oil pressure warning, note any oil smell, and check that the oil level on the dip‑stick is within the normal range. The ball‑joint advisories on both the nearside and offside track rods mean the front suspension should be examined for excessive play; a clunk or knocking when turning the steering wheel at low speed is a classic symptom of worn ball joints, and any uneven tyre wear patterns may corroborate this. The rear inner brake pads were flagged as thin in 2022 and have not been revisited in the MOT record, so the buyer should measure pad thickness and inspect the rear discs for scoring or glazing – a high‑pitched squeal or pedal pulsation under braking would suggest imminent replacement. The lingering lamp faults – nearside and offside registration plate lamps and a reversing lamp – are inexpensive to rectify but should be corrected promptly to avoid another failure. The tyre history shows a nail in the nearside rear and an offside tyre fitted inside‑out, both of which raise concerns about sidewall integrity; a thorough visual inspection of all four tyres for cuts, bulges, tread depth and age‑related cracking is essential, especially given the high mileage and the likelihood of the rubber having perished after ten years. Finally, check the 12 V battery voltage and cranking performance, examine the coolant and brake fluid for signs of contamination or moisture, and confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and timing‑belt (or chain) service entries appropriate for a vehicle of this age. Addressing these items will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the scope of near‑term maintenance required.