2009 Toyota IQ 1.3L Petrol · OO09 DBA

The 2009 Toyota IQ received its most recent MOT test on 2026-01-27, passing without any recorded defects, which suggests a stable maintenance record over the past year. While the vehicle’s history includes several advisories and minor failures, particularly around the front suspension components, drive shaft boot deterioration, and tyre wear, these issues have not escalated into failures or significantly compromised roadworthiness. The absence of repeated failures in the last two MOTs indicates that the vehicle has been maintained to a reasonable standard, though the presence of consistent advisories—such as worn suspension bushes, brake disc pitting, and tyre edge wear—demands closer scrutiny during inspection. The overall trend remains stable, with no signs of rapid deterioration, but the advisories highlight areas where wear progression may warrant proactive attention. The recorded mileage of 84,853 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 17 years represents a remarkably low annual usage rate of around 4,991 miles per year, which is unusually low for its age. Such low mileage can result from infrequent use, long periods of stationary storage, or a lifestyle that minimises driving. However, this usage profile carries specific implications for the vehicle’s condition. Extended periods without movement can exacerbate issues such as brake disc corrosion, binding calipers, and fluid degradation due to stagnation, while low mileage alone does not necessarily mitigate wear on suspension components or drivetrain elements that still accumulate stress over time. The advisories on suspension bushes and drive shaft boots, despite not being failures, suggest that these components have been subjected to wear, and their continued use without replacement could lead to more serious mechanical issues if not addressed. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a physical examination include the front suspension components, as the advisories on worn bushes and ball joints indicate potential long-term fatigue risks. On a test drive, listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension when cornering or over bumps, which could signal excessive movement or bush wear. Inspect the front brake discs for signs of pitting or scoring, which may indicate uneven wear or thermal stress, and check for any binding or grinding when applying the brakes. Additionally, verify that the brake calipers are not seized or corroded, as standing can cause them to stick, leading to reduced braking performance. The drive shaft boots, particularly the near-side outer boot, are severely deteriorated, which could lead to oil leaks or CV joint failure if not replaced soon. Look for oil stains around the boot seals and listen for whining noises when accelerating or turning, which are symptoms of a failing boot. Beyond mechanical checks, the tyre condition is a significant concern given the advisories on edge wear and sidewall perishing. The near-side and offside front tyres are worn close to the legal limit, and the rear tyres show signs of cracking or perishing, which can compromise grip and safety. Inspect the tyre tread depth and sidewall condition thoroughly, as perished rubber can degrade rapidly under dynamic stress. Given the vehicle’s age, also check for any structural issues such as rust in the wheel arches or undercarriage, which can compromise the vehicle’s integrity if left unaddressed. Finally, since the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods, pay particular attention to the battery health, as prolonged disuse can cause corrosion or voltage loss. Test the battery’s charge and clean any corrosion from terminals, and consider a full fluid service for the cooling system, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, as these fluids can degrade over time even with low mileage. A thorough inspection of the exhaust system for corrosion or structural weakness is also advisable, given the oil leak advisory, as this could indicate underlying engine or manifold issues.