2016 Toyota Auris 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · LR66 VCW

A pattern of repeat braking and suspension wear is the defining mechanical story of this 2016 Toyota Auris, with the most recent test on 2 September 2026 recording a pass only after a same-day fail for non-functioning nearside headlamp on both dipped and main beam. The recent three years of history show a mixed trajectory that is neither clean nor severely troubled, with passes in 2022, 2023, and 2025 against three failures in 2023, 2025, and 2026, the latter two being driven by components that wear with service use rather than random failure. The 2023 fail was particularly serious, recording a dangerous offside rear brake pad thickness below 1.5 mm with excessive binding on the same corner, alongside a pitted rear brake disc and a nearside rear caliper beginning to bind. The 2025 dangerous failure was tyre-related, with an exposed ply on the nearside front, and now in 2026 the advisory log highlights worn rear bushes on both front lower suspension arms. Taken together, the record points to a chassis that has accumulated consumable wear at a normal pace for its age and mileage, with no single structural or corrosion issue dominating the file. Recorded mileage stands at 108,136 miles over approximately ten years, giving an annual accumulation of around 10,800 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and points to steady, regular use rather than long periods of standing or unusually high mileage accumulation. There are no extended gaps between tests that would suggest the car was off the road, with annual MOT entries from 2022 through to 2026 confirming continuous road use. The mileage between tests is consistent with normal driving patterns, and the steady accumulation helps explain the pattern of component wear, particularly on braking and suspension items, which degrade progressively with use rather than suffering from sudden failures. Given the recurring advisories on front lower suspension arm rear bushes, a prospective buyer should focus on the front suspension geometry on a test drive. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for vagueness in steering response or any wandering at motorway speeds, as worn rear bushes on the lower arms allow the wheels to shift slightly under load. The nearside rear caliper binding flagged in 2023 is worth monitoring too, since a binding caliper generates excessive heat and causes uneven pad wear; on a test drive check for the rear pulling under braking, a hot smell from the offside rear wheel after a stop, and uneven pad material across the rear discs when inspected. With the 2023 advisory noting a pitted rear brake disc, a thorough inspection of both rear discs for lipping, scoring, and surface corrosion is worthwhile, as replacement discs and pads may now be due. The dangerous tyre failures in 2025 and the headlamp defect this year are also worth verifying on a physical inspection. Confirm that all headlamp bulbs function on main beam and dipped beam from both sides, and check that the rear tyres are not wearing on the inner edge, which was flagged on the offside front in 2025 and can indicate misalignment or worn suspension components contributing to uneven loading. With the front lower arm bushes now flagged on both sides, a four-wheel alignment check after any replacement is advisable to prevent the inner-edge wear pattern from returning. Finally, given the repeated brake-binding advisory, request a brake service history and inspect the rear brake hydraulic flexes for cracking or corrosion, since the Auris is now at an age where flexible brake hoses and suspension rubbers begin to deteriorate simultaneously.