2011 Toyota IQ 1.0L Petrol · FY11 UDK

The Toyota iQ presented for its most recent MOT examination on 6 November 2025 and achieved a Pass outcome, though the test record carries an advisory concerning corroded inner sills. Reviewing the trajectory of the past five tests, the vehicle has consistently passed without any outright failures, which indicates a broadly stable maintenance profile. The advisory issued at the 2023 test regarding rear brake pads wearing thin was a routine wear item and appears to have been addressed, as no further brake-related advisories have appeared since. The newly flagged inner sill corrosion is a more concerning advisory because it relates to the structural integrity of the body, and a prospective buyer should monitor whether this progresses at the next annual test or whether remedial welding or treatment has been carried out. With 77,805 miles recorded against a 2011 manufacture date, this iQ has covered approximately 5,187 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and suggests either light regular use or extended periods of standing. Low annual mileage typically reduces wear on major drivetrain and suspension components such as the clutch, engine internals, and gearbox, but it conversely accelerates age-related deterioration in items that degrade with calendar time rather than use. Any significant gaps in the mileage progression between MOT tests, or conversely any rapid jumps, would warrant closer scrutiny of service history to verify whether intermediate servicing has been performed regardless of low mileage accumulation. Given the advisory regarding inner sill corrosion, a prospective buyer should arrange for the vehicle to be inspected on a ramp or with the sill covers removed to assess the extent of the corrosion. Surface scale and minor bubbling are typical for a fifteen-year-old vehicle, but if the corrosion has perforated the metal or compromised the structural strength, professional welding repair will be required before the next MOT. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or rattles from the underside that could indicate loose or corroded mounting points, and pay particular attention to door and tailgate alignment, as distortion in weakened sills can subtly alter panel gaps. It is also prudent to check the boot floor, jacking points, and rear chassis legs for similar corrosion, as Toyota iQs of this generation have known susceptibility to structural oxidisation in these areas. Beyond the specific sill advisory, the low mileage and the vehicle's age warrant a number of time-based inspections. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, perishing, or bulging, as rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth, and check the production date code on the sidewall to ensure none are older than six years. Inspect the brake discs for severe surface corrosion, which can cause juddering on initial application, and verify that the calipers have not seized from disuse by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely when released on level ground. The twelve-volt battery is likely nearing the end of its service life given the calendar age, so confirm it holds charge under load and inspect the condition of the terminals. Finally, verify that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid have been refreshed in line with time-based rather than mileage-based service schedules, as fluids degrade chemically over time and prolonged standing can allow moisture ingress, particularly into the brake fluid and cooling system.