2007 Toyota Auris 1.6L Petrol · LM07 RVR

The most recent MOT test on 9 February 2026 resulted in a pass, though the vehicle carries a minor defect for an inoperative registration plate lamp alongside four advisories relating to surface corrosion on the inner sills, front Macpherson struts and front suspension arms, plus a fluctuating front service brake. The previous test on 17 February 2025 produced a near-identical advisory pattern, suggesting that the underlying issues are progressive rather than fully resolved. The intervening test on 8 February 2025 initially failed with two dangerous or major items, namely a seriously weakened offside rear brake disc and a missing nearside front road wheel fixing, before being remedied for the follow-up pass. An earlier failure on 27 January 2024 included dangerous brake pad wear at the nearside rear, lighting defects and a tyre worn close to the legal limit, while a January 2023 failure flagged excessively fluctuating front brake performance. Taken together, the record shows a broadly stable but corrosion and brake-conscious pattern that has not deteriorated between the two most recent tests but has clearly required intervention on braking components within the last two years. The recorded mileage of 88,893 miles over approximately 19 years equates to an average of around 4,679 miles per year, which is well below typical annual usage for a family hatchback of this era. This low figure suggests either genuine light use, extended periods of standing, or a combination of both, and the relatively consistent test-to-test intervals imply the vehicle is in regular but short-journey use. Low annual mileage of this nature tends to be kinder to the engine and drivetrain in terms of wear, but it accelerates cosmetic and structural corrosion through lack of use, particularly in brake calipers, discs and underbody components, and can shorten battery life due to incomplete charging cycles. The absence of any mileage gaps or rapid accumulation in the MOT record is reassuring from a continuity perspective. Given the recurring front suspension corrosion advisories affecting the Macpherson struts and front suspension arms, a prospective buyer should closely examine these areas on a raised ramp or under inspection, looking for any progression beyond surface rust towards pitting or structural weakening, particularly around strut top mounts and lower arm bushing housings. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks over speed humps and during full-lock manoeuvres, which would indicate worn bushes or top mount deterioration rather than simple cosmetic corrosion. The inner sill corrosion advisory is also worth physically inspecting to confirm it remains cosmetic and has not advanced into the structural load-bearing sections, as sills on a vehicle of this age and exposure are a recognised failure point. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for any excessive pulsation through the steering wheel or pedal, which would tie into the recurring fluctuating front brake advisory, and the rear brakes should be checked for caliper seizure given the dangerous pad wear and disc condition recorded previously, which can suggest infrequent handbrake use or binding calipers. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and low-mileage profile of this Auris demands a thorough physical inspection of items that degrade with calendar time rather than mileage. Tyres, despite potentially retaining legal tread, should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking typical of nearly two decades of ageing, and the spare wheel and any unused replacements checked likewise. The 12V battery is highly likely to be due for replacement and should be load-tested rather than visually assessed. Brake fluid should be assumed overdue for renewal due to its hygroscopic nature and the vehicle's age, while engine coolant and automatic transmission fluid if fitted will similarly be well past their scheduled change intervals. Exhaust system integrity, particularly mounting rubbers and the heat shield around the catalytic converter, should be inspected for rust-through, and the underside should be checked for standing corrosion on subframes, brake lines and fuel lines. Finally, verifying a full service history with documented brake fluid, coolant and cambelt changes will be essential, as time-based servicing is more critical than mileage-based servicing on a low-use vehicle of this vintage.