2012 Toyota IQ 1.3L Petrol · LL12 HTK

The vehicle was last presented for MOT on 20 February 2026 and passed with no defects or advisories recorded, representing a fully clean test outcome. The two preceding tests in February 2025 and February 2024 likewise returned pass results with no recorded defects, demonstrating a consistent and stable maintenance trend over the most recent three years. It is worth noting that an earlier test on 1 March 2023 resulted in a failure, though the DVSA record for that entry lists no specific defect details, which limits the usefulness of that information. Given the absence of any advisory items, minor defects, or recurring issues across the recent tests, the official record suggests the vehicle has been maintained to a satisfactory roadworthy standard at the time of each annual examination. A prospective buyer should still request the previous pass certificate to confirm the mileage recorded at the time of inspection, as this provides an independent cross-check against the odometer. With a recorded mileage of 75,693 miles over approximately 14 years, the vehicle has averaged around 5,400 miles per year, which is notably low for its age and well below the typical 8,000 to 12,000 miles most vehicles accumulate annually. This low annual figure suggests either genuinely light use with short journeys or, more likely, extended periods of standing or very infrequent driving between tests. Low-mileage vehicles of this age frequently present calendar-related degradation issues rather than wear-related ones, as rubber and plastic components deteriorate with time regardless of distance covered. The buyer should therefore approach this car with a focus on age-based deterioration rather than expecting mechanical wear consistent with the modest odometer reading. Given the clean MOT history and low annual mileage, particular attention should be paid to condition issues that arise from standing or infrequent use. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing, cracking, and ozone damage, as older tyres can lose flexibility and integrity even with adequate tread depth, and any tyres over six years old should be replaced on safety grounds. The braking system warrants a thorough inspection for corroded or pitted brake discs, particularly at the rear, and for binding or seized calipers caused by infrequent operation, which can manifest as uneven braking, a dragging sensation, or pulling to one side under gentle braking. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the suspension, which may indicate perished bushes or top mounts in the front MacPherson strut assembly, and check for any fluid leaks beneath the vehicle after standing overnight, paying particular attention to coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil. Additional checks appropriate to a low-mileage, older vehicle include verification of the 12-volt battery health, as batteries that have been left discharged or used only for short journeys are likely to be near the end of their service life and prone to cold-weather failure. All fluid systems should be considered overdue for replacement on a calendar basis, including brake fluid (typically every two years regardless of mileage due to hygroscopic moisture absorption), coolant (commonly every four to five years), and automatic transmission fluid if so equipped, and any service book or invoice evidence of these renewals should be requested. The exhaust system, including underbody sections and mounting rubbers, should be inspected for corrosion, as fourteen years of exposure to road salt and moisture commonly causes deterioration even on well-maintained vehicles. Finally, the interior and engine bay should be checked for signs of rodent activity or perished rubber hoses and seals, which are common consequences of extended periods of standing, and a compression test or scan for stored fault codes would provide additional reassurance given the low recorded mileage relative to age.