2018 Toyota C-HR 1.8L Hybrid electric · G7 JVP

The 2018 Toyota C-HR received its latest MOT test on 2025-09-17, achieving a passing result with three persistent advisories that indicate ongoing wear and potential long-term risks. The advisories on the near and offside rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the inner edge suggest a pattern of uneven tyre degradation, which could stem from improper alignment, excessive camber angles, or excessive load distribution across the wheels. The front tyre advisory for sidewall perishing is particularly concerning, as this condition—often exacerbated by prolonged exposure to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and low tyre pressure—can compromise tyre integrity and increase the risk of sudden failure. While the vehicle has passed previous MOT tests, the recurrence of these advisories implies a maintenance oversight or a fundamental issue with tyre management that should be addressed promptly to prevent further wear or safety hazards. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 51,995 miles over approximately eight years represents a reasonable annual usage rate of around 6,499 miles per annum, which is typical for a compact SUV of this age and class. However, the presence of a nail in the offside rear tyre during the 2022 MOT suggests there may have been an incident involving road debris or potholes, which could have contributed to the subsequent tyre wear patterns observed in the latest MOT. The absence of significant mileage gaps or rapid accumulation over the years is reassuring, but the consistent tyre advisories warrant closer attention to whether the wear is progressive or if there are external factors—such as poor tyre maintenance, incorrect inflation, or alignment issues—that are exacerbating the problem. The TPMS light from 2024 also raises a red flag, as it indicates a potential loss of tyre pressure monitoring functionality, which could lead to underinflation and further uneven wear if unaddressed. For the prospective buyer, the most critical immediate actions should focus on the tyre advisories, as they pose a safety risk and could lead to a failure if not corrected. Inspect the tyres thoroughly for signs of further cracking, bulges, or separation from the sidewall, and verify that the inner edge wear is uniform or if it is concentrated in specific areas, which could indicate misalignment or suspension issues. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the wheels, such as clunks or grinding, which may suggest loose or misaligned wheels, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that could point to camber or toe issues. The nail in the tyre from 2022 should be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent further damage, and the TPMS system should be serviced or replaced to restore proper monitoring functionality. Additionally, consider having the vehicle’s alignment and suspension inspected, as these components are often linked to tyre wear and could be contributing to the observed degradation. Beyond the immediate concerns, the buyer should also conduct a comprehensive physical inspection of the vehicle’s standing corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, undercarriage, and body panels, as prolonged exposure to moisture can accelerate rust formation. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, check the tyre sidewalls for signs of perishing, such as dry rot or cracking, which can compromise their structural integrity and increase the risk of blowouts. Inspect the 12V battery and associated electrical systems for signs of corrosion or poor connections, as older vehicles are more susceptible to battery failure, especially if the engine has been left standing for extended periods. Verify that all fluids, including the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant, are at the correct levels and show no signs of contamination or degradation, as fluid ageing can lead to reduced performance and increased wear on engine components. Lastly, review the service history for the vehicle, particularly for any recorded suspension, alignment, or tyre-related services, to confirm that maintenance has been consistent and address any gaps that may have contributed to the current advisories.