2009 Toyota IQ 1.0L Petrol · OV09 EOS

The most recent MOT, carried out on 27 August 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions requirements at that time. Over the preceding six‑year period the MOT record has been largely clean, with only a single minor advisory in 2023 concerning severe deterioration of the off‑side front lower suspension arm ball‑joint dust cover, and an older tyre perishing advisory from 2019 that was subsequently resolved. This pattern suggests a generally stable maintenance regime, with no evidence of progressive mechanical failure, although the 2023 suspension dust‑cover issue points to a component that may warrant renewed attention. At 97 033 miles on the odometer the 2009 Toyota iQ has logged an average of roughly 5 700 miles per year, which is well below the typical usage rate for a vehicle of its age. Such low annual mileage often reflects intermittent use or periods of inactivity, both of which can introduce age‑related deterioration even in the absence of high mileage wear. The modest mileage reduces the likelihood of excessive wear on major wear items such as the clutch, gearbox, and suspension bushings, but it also raises the possibility of rubber and fluid ageing, especially if the car has spent extended periods standing idle. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the front suspension assembly, inspecting the ball‑joint dust cover for any signs of cracking, corrosion or missing material, as deterioration can allow moisture ingress and accelerate wear of the joint itself. While the 2023 advisory was minor, a compromised dust cover can lead to noisy clunks when negotiating bumps or uneven surfaces, and may eventually affect steering precision. The front tyre that triggered the 2019 advisory should be examined for sidewall cracking, tread depth irregularities and any hardening of the rubber; tyres older than seven years can perish regardless of tread wear and may develop bulges or separations that are not immediately obvious. Verify that the windscreen wipers and washer system operate effectively, as the earlier failure could indicate a lingering electrical fault or worn washer pump seals that might reappear under heavy rain. During a test drive, listen for any rattles or clunks from the front suspension, especially over potholes, and feel for any pull or vibration that could indicate tyre or wheel imbalance. Check that the brakes apply smoothly without shudder, and that the pedal does not feel spongy, which would suggest fluid contamination or pad glazing. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and assess the battery’s age; a 17‑year‑old vehicle is likely to have a battery approaching the end of its service life, so a load test is advisable. Finally, examine the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and confirm that all fluid reservoirs (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid) have been refreshed in accordance with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals, as fluids can degrade over time even with low mileage.