2016 Toyota Auris 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · FY16 BHP

The 2016 Toyota Auris holds a valid MOT issued on 16 March 2026 at 220,368 miles, but the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The most recent test flagged a Nearside Front inner steering rack joint with play and a Nearside Rear shock absorber exhibiting a light oil misting. These advisories sit alongside a recurring and persistent steering rack issue that has appeared in every single test since October 2024. The vehicle failed its September 2025 test on multiple lighting and suspension defects, including excessively worn ball joints, yet the subsequent October 2025 pass suggests only the immediate failure items were addressed rather than the underlying wear pattern being resolved. The mileage accumulation is notably high at approximately 22,000 miles per year, which is well above the UK average for a vehicle of this age. Between April 2024 and March 2026, the car covered roughly 28,000 miles in two years, indicating sustained heavy use. The MOT record is relatively consistent with annual tests, though the gap between the April 2024 and October 2024 tests shows a rapid accumulation of nearly 10,000 miles in six months. This intensive usage pattern accelerates wear on consumable components and places greater stress on suspension, steering, and braking systems. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering geometry. The repeated advisories for play in the Nearside Front steering rack inner joint, combined with worn suspension arm ball joints and deteriorated track rod end dust boots, point to a front end that has not been properly rebuilt. The under-vehicle inspection was obstructed in both the April 2024 and September 2025 tests due to covers, which limits visibility into subframe and structural corrosion. Given the mileage and the shock absorber oil misting, a thorough inspection of all dampers, coil springs, and mounting points is essential before purchase. The rear braking and lighting systems also warrant attention. The September 2025 failure included a non-functioning Nearside Rear stop lamp and multiple headlamp aim and beam defects, suggesting electrical or bulb-related neglect. While these were rectified for the subsequent pass, the pattern of minor electrical faults combined with heavy mileage use raises questions about the overall wiring loom condition and earth points. A pre-purchase inspection should include a full diagnostic scan, a check of all lamp units and connectors, and a road test specifically assessing steering rack free play and brake binding or uneven wear.