2009 Toyota Avensis 2.0L Diesel · OY09 LGN

A pattern of chronic rear suspension advisories is the defining mechanical feature of this 17 year old Avensis. The 2024 test recorded three related items in a single visit: corroded rear lower suspension arms both sides, worn rear suspension arm pin or bush both sides, and corrosion around the rear suspension component mounting prescribed area both sides. None were serious enough to fail, but the clustering of suspension defects on both sides of the rear axle points to an area that warrants close physical inspection now and is likely to progress over the coming winters. Elsewhere the record is largely clean, with passes on every test since 2018 and only minor cosmetic issues such as a failed registration plate lamp in 2023 and a deteriorated front number plate in 2019. The most recent test on 1 December 2025 passed with no defects recorded, so the car currently holds a valid MOT, though the underlying rear suspension wear flagged a year earlier remains the principal mechanical concern. Recorded mileage of 116,873 across 17 years equates to roughly 6,875 miles per year, which sits close to the typical annual figure for a car of this age. The MOT entries do not contain any mileage readings, so it is not possible from these records alone to confirm whether the car has been used consistently or has had periods of standing followed by heavier use. With annual mileage around the average, the major wear items one would expect to be approaching replacement at this age are present in the record, notably the rear suspension components flagged in 2024. Front brake discs, pads, tyres and the exhaust system are not mentioned at all in the MOT history, so any condition assessment of those items will need to come from a physical inspection rather than the DVSA file. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension is the priority area to examine. The advisories specifically mention the rear lower suspension arms, the bushes or pins at their inner pivots, and the surrounding mounting areas. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, speed humps and potholes, as worn bushes typically generate a distinct metallic thud rather than a squeak. With the car unladen, push and twist each rear wheel at the top and bottom while watching for play at the arm-to-subframe joint, and visually inspect the arms themselves for surface corrosion, flaking, and any thinning of the metal near the bush housings. Also check the area around the rear suspension turrets and subframe mounting points inside the boot for any bubbling or rust through, as the tester specifically noted corrosion in the prescribed mounting areas both sides. Given that both sides were flagged together, replacement of the arms and bushes as a paired job is likely the most economical route if any movement is found. Beyond the rear axle, the remainder of the MOT history offers little to worry about. With no recorded brake, exhaust, steering or structural advisories across eight tests, the braking and underfloor condition has not been formally highlighted, although a 116,000 mile car will inevitably have wear in these areas. On the test drive, check for steering pull to either side under braking, any vibration through the pedal or steering wheel that could indicate warped front discs, and listen for exhaust blowing or ticking from underneath when the engine is warm. Confirm the registration plate lamps all illuminate, as the 2023 minor fault was specifically for an inoperative plate lamp. Inspect the rear number plate surround for any further deterioration since the 2019 advisory, and check general condition of all tyres for age cracking and even tread wear across the axle. If the rear suspension proves solid on inspection, the rest of the record suggests a car that should continue to pass its annual test without further intervention in the short term.