2009 Toyota Auris 1.6L Petrol · FN59 OTP

A clean MOT history with a single retest failure presents a generally reassuring mechanical picture for this 17 year old Toyota Auris. Across four completed test entries spanning 2021 through 2024, the vehicle has passed without a single advisory or defect being recorded, and the lone failure in late November 2024 was followed by a successful pass less than a month later, suggesting whatever prompted the initial rejection was rectified quickly rather than indicating a structural or chronic problem. The absence of corrosion advisories, suspension component flags, or brake warnings across consecutive tests is notable for a vehicle of this age, as older cars typically accumulate at least minor advisories relating to bushes, brake pipes, or exhaust mounting points. Overall, the roadworthiness trend is stable rather than deteriorating, with no evidence of repeat component issues escalating from advisory to failure across successive annual examinations. The recorded mileage of 71,693 miles against a 2009 registration equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 4,200 miles, which is considerably below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in the testing record between 2021 and 2024, indicating the car has been in regular use and presented for MOT each year rather than left off road, which mitigates concerns about long-term standing such as seized brakes, perished fuel lines, or deteriorated coolant hoses that can afflict stored vehicles. The low mileage also implies that major drivetrain wear items like clutch, timing chain, and internal engine components are likely to be in better condition than average, though the annual figures suggest the vehicle has predominantly been used for shorter journeys rather than sustained motorway running, which can place additional strain on stop-start systems, battery longevity, and exhaust catalysts due to infrequent sustained operating temperature. The jump from 2021 to 2024 should be cross-checked against the current odometer reading during a physical inspection to verify continuity. For a prospective buyer, the lack of specific component advisories means inspection focus should shift to age and mileage-related items that MOT testing does not flag, particularly for a vehicle of this vintage. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn lower arm bushes or drop links, and pay attention to any knocking from the rear trailing arm bushes, a known weakness on Auris models of this generation. Check for uneven tyre wear, particularly inner edge wear on the nearside front, which can indicate worn top mounts or tracking issues. Brake feel is important: any sponginess or excessive pedal travel could point to a failing master cylinder, while vibration under braking should prompt inspection of the front discs for lipping or runout. Examine the underside thoroughly for any rust forming on the rear axle beam, floor pan seams, and around the rear wheel arches, as these areas are typical corrosion hotspots for cars of this era even when MOT testers have not yet flagged them. Given the petrol powertrain typical of this model, cold starting behaviour deserves specific attention, particularly listening for a rattle from the timing chain area on initial startup that diminishes as oil pressure rises, as this points to a stretched chain and worn tensioner rather than the more commonly referenced valve train wear. Steering should feel tight with no wandering or excessive play at the centre position, and manual transmission cars should have a smooth gear change with no crunching on selection, especially into second and reverse. Inspect the engine bay for any signs of oil seepage around the cam cover gasket and the sump plug area, and check the coolant reservoir for any residue that might indicate a failing water pump or perished hoses. Overall, the documented history supports a mechanically sound starting point, but a pre-purchase inspection remains advisable given the vehicle's age, with particular emphasis on the areas outlined above to ensure the clean MOT record translates into genuine present-day roadworthiness.