2009 Toyota IQ 1.0L Petrol · LT09 DVB

A borderline registration plate and an inoperative front side repeater light were the only items preventing a clean pass at the May 2026 test, with both subsequently recorded as repairs against the prohibition and the vehicle then passing with no defects noted. Across the seven test events on file the iQ has recorded one Dangerous failure and two minor pass-with-defect entries, all relating to relatively trivial items rather than structural or mechanical deterioration. The pattern is broadly positive but is not without incident: a 2025 advisory flagged a non-excessive oil leak, and the 2020 Dangerous failure was for a nearside front tyre worn below the 1.6mm legal tread limit. No corrosion advisories, brake, suspension, or exhaust issues have been raised at any test, which is notable for a 2009 vehicle now approaching its seventeenth year. The recorded mileage of 48,758 miles against an age of roughly 17 years equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 2,870 miles, which is well below typical usage for a car of this vintage and ranks the iQ as genuinely low-mileage. There is a noticeable three-year gap in testing between April 2022 and December 2020, which itself follows a longer absence from the record, suggesting the vehicle spent extended periods off the road during the early 2020s, likely reflecting SORN periods or simply being unused. Mechanically, such low annual mileage tends to reduce wear on high-cycle consumables such as brake discs, clutches, and drivetrain components, but it does increase the likelihood of dried rubber components, fluid degradation, and surface corrosion on infrequently used parts. The relatively modest total mileage combined with the absence of any wear-based advisories on brakes, tyres (apart from the single 2020 tread-depth failure), or suspension supports the view that the mechanical components have experienced limited service load. Given the recorded oil leak advisory from May 2025, a prospective buyer should specifically inspect the engine and gearbox for fresh seepage. On the day of inspection, check the underside of the engine block, the area around the timing chain cover, the oil filter housing, and the sump joint for any dark wet residue or fresh drips on the subframe crossmember beneath. A small amount of staining is consistent with a non-excessive leak, but any active dripping or fresh residue on the exhaust downpipe should be treated as a sign the leak is progressing. During a test drive, listen for any change in engine note on warm-up that might indicate oil pressure concerns, and watch the oil level on the dipstick before and after a short run. The car should also be started from cold during viewing, as oil leaks are most visible before the engine reaches operating temperature and residual oil burns off. The single Dangerous tyre failure recorded in December 2020 and the 2026 lighting and plate defects point towards routine consumable and presentation items rather than any underlying structural concern, but a buyer should still verify that all exterior lighting, including both front side repeaters, is functioning before purchase. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the iQ's known tight turning circle and rear axle geometry, listening for any clonking over speed humps that could indicate worn rear suspension bushes or top mounts. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive, with no judder under light braking which could suggest corrosion on the rear drums typical of low-mileage urban cars. Finally, given the extended periods the vehicle appears to have spent off the road, the 12V battery, brake fluid, coolant, and tyre condition should all be regarded as time-since-last-use items rather than mileage-since items, and may warrant replacement regardless of their appearance.