2009 Toyota IQ 1.0L Petrol · HG59 PDU

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2009 Toyota IQ was conducted on 6 February 2026 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. This represents a continuation of an unbroken sequence of clean test outcomes stretching back through the records visible, with passes on 12 October 2024, 6 October 2023, 29 September 2022, and 15 October 2021, all likewise free of advisory notes. The consistency of these results suggests a maintenance trend that is stable rather than worsening or improving, with no recorded deterioration in the usual wear items such as tyres, brakes, suspension, or lighting. The absence of advisories across multiple consecutive tests is unusual for a vehicle of this age and indicates either diligent servicing or genuinely low wear accumulation, both of which warrant careful physical verification on inspection. Recorded mileage stands at 43,577 miles on a vehicle now approximately seventeen years old, equating to an annual usage rate of roughly 2,563 miles per year, which is notably low for any passenger car. This figure is well below the national average and points either to limited daily use or, perhaps more likely given the urban-focussed nature of the Toyota IQ, extended periods of standing between drives. Such low annual mileage can mask certain age-related deterioration because the conventional mileage-based service intervals will not capture calendar-based degradation. Mechanical implications of this usage profile include accelerated corrosion of brake discs and calipers from infrequent operation, perishing of rubber components such as tyres and suspension bushes due to environmental exposure rather than mechanical wear, and potential degradation of fluids that deteriorate with time irrespective of use. For a prospective buyer, the clean MOT history should not be taken as a substitute for a thorough physical inspection, given the vehicle's age and low usage profile. Begin with a close examination of all four tyres for sidewall cracking, perishing, and check the DOT date code to confirm they are within a sensible age limit, as tyres older than six years can suffer structural deterioration even with adequate tread depth. Inspect the brake discs for severe surface corrosion, which on a lightly used vehicle often manifests as binding calipers that may cause uneven pad wear or pulling under braking, and listen for any grinding or pulsation on a test drive. Pay particular attention to the 12V battery, which on a car of this age and standing time is likely approaching the end of its service life; a voltage test under load or a printed battery health report would be prudent. Verify the service book stamps or digital records and confirm that time-based items such as engine coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil have been changed within their calendar intervals regardless of odometer reading. On the test drive itself, listen carefully for suspension clunks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which would indicate perished suspension bushes or worn shock absorbers, both plausible on a seventeen-year-old car. Check for any signs of fluid leaks beneath the vehicle, particularly around the engine sump, power steering rack, and rear axle area, and verify that the exhaust is secure and free from corrosion at its mounting points and joints. Confirm operation of all electrical systems including the climate control, infotainment, central locking, and any optional equipment, as electrical faults on ageing Toyotas commonly present as failing switches or motors rather than anything recorded at MOT. Finally, given the extremely low annual mileage, ask the seller about the vehicle's storage conditions over recent years, as garaged cars fare considerably better than those kept outside, and confirm whether the car has been started and moved regularly or left standing for prolonged periods, which will inform the priority of inspection items during your evaluation.