2004 Toyota Avensis 2.0L Petrol · MB04 FSE

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 25 March 2024 at 93,904 miles, though the record shows an anomalous duplicate entry with identical mileage and no defects listed for both a pass and fail on the same day — this is likely a data entry error rather than a genuine retest. Prior to that, the car passed consistently in 2023 and 2022, with no defects recorded across four consecutive tests. The maintenance trend is stable, with no recurring mechanical failures or advisories indicating systemic issues. The recorded mileage of 93,904 over 22 years equates to an average of just over 4,200 miles annually, which is low for its age and suggests limited use. The gap between the March 2022 and March 2023 tests shows a reasonable 1,126-mile increase, but the jump from 91,166 miles in March 2022 to 92,318 miles by March 2023 aligns with normal annual use. The absence of any test between March 2024 and today — over two years without a fresh MOT — raises a concern. While low mileage reduces wear on components, prolonged inactivity can degrade seals, fluids, and rubber parts, particularly if the car was stored without regular running. Buyers should inspect the brake system thoroughly, as the two unexplained failures in 2022 — both with no defects listed — may hint at intermittent issues such as binding calipers or uneven disc wear that were not formally recorded. The suspension and steering components should be checked for dry-rotted bushes or worn ball joints, as these often degrade silently on low-mileage vehicles that sit for extended periods. Exhaust system integrity, especially around the rear silencer and mounts, should be verified for corrosion, as this is common on 20-year-old cars regardless of mileage. Fluids, hoses, and timing belt condition (if applicable) require immediate attention, as they age regardless of use. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is strongly advised.