2012 Toyota Auris 1.6L Petrol · FN12 XMF

Recurring tyre degradation remains the primary mechanical concern for this Toyota Auris, as evidenced by the consistent advisories for the offside rear tyre appearing across every annual inspection from 2022 through to the most recent pass on 20 March 2026. While the vehicle has maintained a pass record during this period, the persistent nature of this specific advisory suggests a failure to address the underlying cause of the tyre sidewall perishing. Furthermore, the introduction of a minor defect in 2026 regarding the severely deteriorated dust cover on the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint indicates an emerging mechanical issue that requires immediate attention to prevent premature joint failure and potential steering instability. With a recorded mileage of 60,152 miles over fourteen years, the vehicle averages approximately 4,297 miles per annum, placing it well below the national average for a car of this age. This low-mileage profile, while potentially indicating limited exposure to high-speed road wear, often results in components remaining stationary for extended periods. Such usage patterns can lead to the specific type of rubber degradation noted in the tyre advisories, as well as the potential for seized brake components or seized suspension linkages that may not be immediately apparent during a short test drive but could manifest under heavier load. Prospective buyers should prioritise a physical inspection of the offside rear tyre to determine if the perishing is superficial or if the structural integrity of the sidewall has been compromised. During the test drive, pay close attention to the offside front suspension area; listen specifically for any metallic knocking, clunking, or clicking sounds when navigating uneven road surfaces, speed bumps, or tight cornering manoeuvres, as these are classic indicators that the ball joint or associated suspension bushes have reached the end of their service life. Any steering vagueness or a tendency for the vehicle to pull to the left or right should be investigated as a symptom of this deteriorating component. Beyond the suspension and tyre concerns, ensure the vehicle is taken through a full range of braking and steering inputs to check for any binding or uneven resistance, which can sometimes occur in vehicles with lower annual usage. Verify that the windscreen wipers operate smoothly across the full arc of the glass, as a failure here was previously noted in the 2022 test record. Given the consistent history of the offside rear tyre advisory, it is advisable to budget for a full set of tyres or at least a professional assessment of the current rubber to ensure the vehicle meets safety standards beyond the minimum requirements of the MOT test.