2009 Toyota Verso 2.0L Diesel · FT09 CFF

The most recent DVSA examination on 25 July 2026 returned a Pass, but the result masks a significant underlying issue: the vehicle had failed just one day earlier on 24 July 2026 with a Dangerous defect recorded for an Offside Front tyre exhibiting tread depth below the legal 1.6mm threshold. That a tyre was allowed to deteriorate to a Dangerous level between back-to-back tests suggests either a missed pre-test inspection or last-minute replacement, and it warrants careful questioning of any prospective seller regarding tyre replacement regimes and tread depth monitoring. Looking at the broader trend across the four most recent MOT cycles, the picture is one of slowly worsening condition rather than improvement. Recurring advisories relating to front suspension arm pins or bushes wearing, suspension corrosion, and anti-roll bar linkage deterioration have appeared consistently from 2023 through 2026, alongside coil spring corrosion noted in 2025. A Major failure on 9 August 2022 involving excessively corroded rear brake pipes is particularly concerning given the vehicle's age and exposure, and the reappearance of corrosion-themed advisories two years later suggests the general structural and underbody condition continues to deteriorate rather than improve. The most recent test introduced a Minor advisory for a Nearside Front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint with a severely deteriorated dust cover, which if left unattended will progress to the type of Major failure seen on the offside equivalent in 2023. With a recorded mileage of 130,845 miles over approximately seventeen years, this Verso averages around 7,700 miles per annum, which sits within the typical range for a family MPV of this era. There are no obvious large gaps in the annual MOT record, indicating reasonably consistent use, though the absence of recorded mileages on the test certificates themselves makes it impossible to verify whether accumulation has been steady or sporadic. Consistent annual usage is generally beneficial in preventing the standing-related issues that plague low-mileage vehicles such as seized brake calipers, perished coolant hoses, and degraded brake fluid, but at this odometer reading the mechanical wear items including clutch, timing chain, and engine consumables will be approaching or past their expected service intervals. Any prospective buyer should therefore request a full service history to confirm whether major items such as the cambelt or timing chain, water pump, and clutch have been addressed at appropriate intervals. The recurring front suspension advisories across multiple test cycles indicate progressive wear to the front lower arm pins or bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and ball joints, all of which are common wear items on a vehicle of this age and mileage. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or juddering through the steering wheel that might suggest the worn bushes have now progressed beyond the advisory threshold. The 2022 Major failure for rear brake pipe corrosion should prompt a thorough underbody inspection for any fresh corrosion on fuel lines, brake lines, and the exhaust system, particularly around mounting points and the rear subframe. The Offside Front shock absorber light oil misting noted in 2026 is an early indicator of seal wear, and any worsening on a subsequent test would warrant replacement. Additionally, the headlamp lens product build-up and minor cracking should be inspected at night to ensure light output remains adequate, and the rear light lens damage from 2025 should be checked for water ingress or bulb holder corrosion. Given the seven-day DVSA failure on a dangerous tyre, a prospective buyer should personally verify all four tyres have at least 3mm of remaining tread depth and check the sidewalls for any cracking or perishing consistent with age, even if the rubber itself appears serviceable. The vehicle's age means the 12V battery is likely due for replacement and should be load tested, while brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable should all be considered time-expired and either verified by documentation as recently renewed or factored into negotiation as an immediate servicing cost. Beyond the documented MOT findings, an inspection should include checking for oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, which is a known weakness on Toyota engines of this era, verifying the air conditioning system functions effectively, and ensuring the dual sliding rear doors operate smoothly without excessive effort or rattling from worn runners. Any hesitation, misfire, or warning light on the dashboard during a cold start should be investigated promptly, as the 130,000-mile threshold often coincides with ignition coil and oxygen sensor degradation on vehicles of this age.