2009 Toyota IQ 1.0L Petrol · LX09 JWW

The defining story of this 2009 Toyota IQ is one of remarkably consistent roadworthiness, with the only mechanical concern to surface in recent testing being a recurring advisory on the nearside front shock absorber bush. That advisory appeared on both the pass and fail entries dated 4 August 2026, where the vehicle also failed on a headlamp issue classified as a Prescriptive Reason for Failure rather than a mechanical defect. Aside from this minor suspension note and the lamp rectification, the car has passed two consecutive tests in 2025 and 2024 with no advisories at all, suggesting a broadly stable and well-maintained mechanical condition. The presence of the same worn shock bush advisory at the latest test indicates it has either developed since the previous pass or was previously not severe enough to be flagged, and warrants close inspection as it could progress to a failure in future testing if left unaddressed. Annual mileage on this vehicle averages around 4,585 miles per year over its seventeen-year life, which is exceptionally low and points to a usage profile dominated by short urban trips rather than sustained motorway running. This pattern of light use tends to preserve major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox and clutch, while simultaneously accelerating wear on items that suffer from underuse, including brake discs and pads suffering from surface corrosion, suspension bushes hardening and seizing through lack of regular articulation, and the exhaust system being prone to internal condensation and premature rot from short cold-start journeys. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing history visible in the recent record, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use and on the road throughout, which reduces the risk of seized calipers, perished rubber components, or a flat battery having compromised ancillary systems. For a prospective buyer, the priority mechanical checks should centre on the front suspension, particularly the nearside shock absorber mounting bush that was flagged on the most recent test. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, and during low-speed direction changes, as a worn shock bush typically produces a dull, metallic rattle that worsens over rougher roads. Visually inspect the bush for cracking, splitting of the rubber, or any visible displacement of the shock absorber within its mounting, and check for uneven tyre wear on the nearside front that might suggest the worn bush is allowing inconsistent geometry. Beyond the suspension, the low annual mileage means brake discs are likely to have developed a lip of corrosion around the outer edge, so expect some initial judder through the pedal on the first firm application, and confirm the calipers are releasing cleanly without binding. The failed headlamp item on the August 2026 test should be confirmed rectified before purchase, ensuring both headlamps are present, secure, and producing the correct beam pattern with no condensation inside the lens units. Given the Toyota IQ's compact packaging and the low-mileage profile, it is also worth inspecting the underbody, sills, and suspension subframes for any early signs of surface corrosion that may not yet have reached advisory threshold but could develop given the short-journey duty cycle. Finally, verify the service history supports the low recorded mileage with documented cambelt and water pump replacement at appropriate intervals, as age-related rubber and gasket degradation on a 2009 vehicle is inevitable regardless of how few miles it has covered.