2012 Toyota IQ 1.0L Petrol · LM62 PWN

The 2012 Toyota IQ carries a current valid MOT pass dated 10 November 2025, having also had a test outcome recorded as a fail on the same date; however, no defects or advisories are listed against either entry, indicating that the failure was almost certainly an administrative or paperwork issue subsequently resolved on the same day rather than a mechanical or structural concern. With consecutive clean passes going back through 2024, 2023, and 2022, all without recorded defects, the maintenance trend over the recent record is stable and reassuring, suggesting the vehicle has been kept in consistent roadworthy condition throughout the period documented. The absence of any advisories for components such as brake pads, tyres, suspension components, or exhaust items is particularly notable for a car of this age, hinting at either diligent replacement of consumables ahead of test or simply light, low-wear usage. With 80,857 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, the annual mileage averages around 5,776 miles per year, which is substantially below the typical 7,000 to 10,000 miles expected for a privately used urban car. The MOT gap pattern suggests a relatively even accumulation, with tests spaced at roughly annual intervals once the vehicle reached its third year, and the figures imply periods of standing or very limited use between active spells. Lower annual mileage such as this is mechanically beneficial for major drivetrain components, clutches, and engine internals, but it does carry its own considerations for a buyer. Long standing periods allow corrosion to develop on unprotected ferrous surfaces, brake discs to surface rust and potentially seize calipers, and fluids to degrade through age rather than use. Given the low mileage and clean MOT record, a prospective buyer should focus on age-related deterioration rather than wear-related concerns. Tyres should be inspected carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds harden and degrade with calendar age even if tread depth remains adequate; a tyre more than six or seven years old should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. The 12V battery is likely approaching the end of its service life given the vehicle's age, and a load test or voltage check is advisable before purchase, particularly as the Toyota IQ has known electrical sensitivities that can manifest through warning lights if battery voltage drops. Brake caliper slide pins and pistons should be examined for binding or corrosion that may have developed during standing periods, and the condition of the brake discs should be assessed for pitting or lip formation beyond what light surface rust would produce. Fluid servicing should be verified through service history documentation, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and typically requires replacement every two to three years irrespective of mileage, while engine coolant and gearbox oil on the IQ's automated manual transmission also degrade with time. Inspect the underbody, sills, and suspension components including coil springs, anti-roll bar bushes, and wishbone bushes for corrosion or deterioration typical of a car that has spent its life in urban environments. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or rattles from the suspension over bumps, check for pulling under braking that may indicate a seized caliper, and confirm the automated gearbox changes smoothly without juddering or hesitation. Finally, verify the service book stamps and review the V5C for keeper changes, as the consistently low mileage and clean test history are only reassuring if backed by documented routine maintenance.