2010 Toyota IQ 1.0L Petrol · LM60 VRD

With sixteen years on the road, this Toyota IQ presents a largely untroubled MOT history, with eight recorded tests producing just two failures and only one advisory note across the entire document. The mechanical narrative is dominated by lighting and exhaust integrity rather than any structural, suspension, or braking concerns. The most recent test on 22 May 2026 passed with a single advisory relating to a minor exhaust gas leak, while the two prior annual tests in 2024 and 2025 returned clean sheets with no advisories recorded. The earlier failures are minor in nature: an offside front headlamp dipped beam failure and an offside front position lamp failure, both standard electrical items easily rectified. The absence of any advisories relating to corrosion, suspension components, brake pipes, or running gear is a positive indicator for a vehicle of this age, as these are typically the areas where older cars begin to show their wear during MOT inspection. The recorded mileage of 81,110 against a 2010 registration indicates an average annual accumulation of roughly 5,069 miles, which sits at the lower end of typical usage for a car of this vintage. There are notable gaps in the testing record, with the earliest entry dated October 2021 despite the vehicle being sixteen years old, suggesting either long periods off the road, a change in ownership patterns, or testing only commenced being captured in this dataset from 2021 onward. The mileage progression within the recorded tests appears steady rather than displaying any sudden spikes, consistent with modest, consistent use. For components such as the coil spring suspension, rear torsion beam, brake discs, and the single-clutch or CVT transmission internals, lower annual mileage generally reduces wear rates, though standing periods can introduce their own concerns with seized calipers, perished rubber, and fluid degradation. The under-floor and structural areas typical of small city cars in coastal or winter-treated regions have not been flagged here, which is reassuring. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the exhaust system at the next opportunity, since the May 2026 advisory noted a minor gas leak and exhaust components on older vehicles commonly deteriorate at flexible joints, mounting rubbers, and the rear silencer box. On a test drive, listen for a ticking or hissing sound that increases with engine revs, particularly noticeable on the over-run or when stationary with the engine running, and feel for any vibration through the cabin floor suggesting a failed mounting. The vehicle should be started from cold if possible, as exhaust leaks are often more apparent before metal expansion seals small gaps. Given the lighting failures recorded in 2021 and 2024, a thorough check of all exterior bulbs including dipped beam, position lamps, indicators, and the rear fog lamp is worthwhile, as intermittent electrical faults on older harnesses and switchgear can recur. On cold start, listen for any timing chain rattle from the 1.0-litre 1KR-FE engine, which is a known wear item on high-mileage examples, though the modest recorded mileage should mitigate this risk. During the road test, pay close attention to the behaviour of the steering and suspension, as the IQ's narrow track width and short wheelbase can mask worn components until they are loaded. Check for any knocking from the front struts or top mounts over speed humps and uneven surfaces, any pulling to one side under braking which could indicate a binding caliper given the low mileage and potential for seized slide pins, and any looseness in the steering rack on full lock. Inspect the underbody and wheel arches for any surface corrosion beginning to take hold, particularly around the rear axle mounting points and the front subframe, areas not yet flagged but worth preventative inspection on a vehicle of this age. The brake pedal should feel firm and progressive, with no sponginess suggesting caliper seizure from infrequent use. Finally, verify that the exhaust gas leak has been rectified since the May advisory, as unresolved emissions-related defects can quickly progress to a failure at the next test if left unattended.