2009 Toyota IQ 1.0L Petrol · MA59 CPZ

This Toyota IQ’s most recent MOT test on 2026-03-11 resulted in a failure, though no specific defects were recorded—an unusual omission that warrants immediate clarification from the seller. The pattern over the past two years shows instability: two consecutive failures in early 2025, separated by just nine days, followed by a passing test in March 2024 and another in January 2022. The absence of defect details in failures suggests either administrative errors or that critical components were just outside the test thresholds, such as marginal brake pad thickness or minor exhaust leaks. The lack of advisories in any test further complicates assessment, as even minor recurring issues (e.g., worn suspension bushes or binding calipers) would typically prompt a warning. The vehicle’s roadworthiness cannot be confidently verified without a full inspection, particularly given the failure without explanation. The recorded mileage of 105,288 miles over approximately 17 years aligns with typical usage for this age, averaging around 6,193 miles annually. There are notable gaps in the MOT history: the last test in January 2022 was followed by a 22-month hiatus before the March 2024 pass, then another 11 months until the 2025 failures. This irregularity raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven sporadically or stood unused, potentially accelerating wear on components like tyres, fluids, or battery health. The absence of mileage updates between tests also makes it impossible to correlate wear with usage patterns—critical for assessing suspension integrity, brake fade, or corrosion progression. Given the failure history and the vehicle’s age, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, which are prone to fatigue at this mileage. The repeated failures suggest a pattern of neglect or intermittent issues, so binding brakes (rear or front) and worn brake discs should be checked for uneven wear or corrosion. Structural integrity is another concern; the IQ’s lightweight chassis is susceptible to corrosion at wheel arches, sills, and subframes, especially if the vehicle was stored in damp conditions. Finally, verify the battery health and condition of the exhaust system, as both are common failure points in older vehicles with inconsistent maintenance. The seller should provide a detailed explanation for the 2026 failure, including any advisories or repairs undertaken since the last test.