2010 Toyota Auris 1.6L Petrol · LT10 HRJ

The 2010 Toyota Auris has achieved a clean MOT pass on 2026-05-05, marking its most recent test and representing a positive continuation of a generally stable maintenance record. While the vehicle’s history includes several minor advisories—particularly recurring issues with deteriorated ball joint dust covers and constant velocity joint boots—these have consistently been classified as non-critical, with no evidence of structural failure or safety compromises. The absence of failures or major defects since 2022-05-05 suggests that, despite the wear-related advisories, the car has maintained roadworthiness through careful upkeep. The single previous failure in 2021-05-11 for a non-functioning near-side front position lamp is isolated and unrelated to mechanical integrity, reinforcing the vehicle’s overall reliability trend. The recorded mileage of 80,128 miles for a 16-year-old Auris is notably low, averaging just 5,008 miles annually—a rate that typically indicates either minimal operational use or prolonged periods of inactivity. Such low mileage can mask wear on consumables like brake pads, suspension components, and drivetrain elements, as these may have degraded more slowly from standing rather than from active use. However, the vehicle’s age and the presence of multiple advisories—particularly around ball joints and CV boots—suggest that wear has still progressed, albeit at a slower pace than might be expected from higher mileage. Buyers should be cautious about the potential for hidden issues, especially in the suspension and drivetrain, where prolonged standing can accelerate corrosion or internal damage if not addressed. Given the vehicle’s maintenance history and the advisories recorded, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system. The severely deteriorated ball joint dust covers and constant velocity joint boots from past MOTs indicate that the ball joints and CV joints themselves may exhibit signs of wear or potential failure, such as clunking noises when driving over bumps or uneven road surfaces, particularly on the front suspension. Listen for a metallic grinding or rattling from the front wheels during acceleration and braking, and check for play or excessive movement in the steering wheel when turning sharply. Inspect the boot seals for tears or splits, as this can lead to contamination and accelerated joint failure. Additionally, examine the anti-roll bar linkages and track rod ends for any signs of binding, corrosion, or excessive wear, which may manifest as a rough ride or uneven tyre wear patterns. For fluid systems, the buyer should verify the condition of the engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid, as these can degrade over time, especially with low usage. Check the oil level and condition for metallic particles or darkening, which could signal internal engine wear or fluid breakdown. The brake system should be inspected for signs of corrosion on the discs and linings, particularly if the vehicle has spent extended periods stationary, as standing fluid can cause rusting and binding calipers. Test the brake pedal for firmness and ensure there is no sponginess or excessive travel, which may indicate fluid degradation or hydraulic issues. Finally, while the low mileage profile suggests minimal wear on consumables like tyres and filters, the buyer should still check the tyre tread depth and sidewall condition for signs of age-related perishing or cracking, as these can compromise safety even if the vehicle has not been driven extensively. Additionally, a visual inspection of the exhaust system for corrosion or leaks, and a test of the emissions compliance (if applicable), would be prudent, given the vehicle’s age.