2016 Toyota Avensis 2.0L Diesel · FM16 AVP

The 2016 Toyota Avensis has passed its most recent MOT on 6 February 2026 at 82,763 miles, but the record reveals a concerning pattern of repeated suspension bush wear across multiple tests. While no failures were recorded, the consistent advisories for worn suspension pins and bushes—now spanning the front and rear axles—suggest a chronic issue that has not been addressed. The February 2026 test alone flagged both front lower suspension arm bushes as worn, while the January 2025 test extended this to all four trailing arm bushes. This indicates either deferred maintenance or a design vulnerability in the suspension geometry, with no evidence of improvement over time. The absence of failures on critical safety items like brakes or steering suggests the vehicle remains drivable, but the suspension’s degradation could accelerate handling deterioration and increase wear on other components. The mileage progression shows a steady accumulation of approximately 8,276 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, there is a notable gap between the October 2022 MOT (43,312 miles) and the February 2023 test (43,821 miles), covering just 509 miles in 14 months—a period where no MOT was required. This suggests either limited use or a temporary storage period, but it does not compensate for the suspension issues. The most recent test occurred just five months ago, which is acceptable, though the recurrence of bush wear implies this is not a one-off oversight. The lack of failures in 2024 and 2023 contrasts sharply with the 2022 tyre advisories, which indicated front tyres were worn close to the legal limit, hinting at inconsistent upkeep during that period. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension geometry, particularly the lower control arms and trailing arms, as the repeated advisories point to imminent failure risks. Focus on the condition of the bushes—excessive play or cracking would confirm the MOT findings—and check for related wear on the steering rack or wheel bearings, which could be exacerbated by misalignment. The front tyres, which were flagged in 2022, should be examined for uneven wear patterns, as this could indicate alignment issues stemming from the suspension wear. While the brakes and exhaust emissions have not been noted in the record, a pre-purchase inspection should verify their condition, especially given the vehicle’s age and mileage. Structural corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and suspension mounts, should also be assessed, as this is a common failure point in vehicles of this era.