2016 Toyota Auris 1.2L Petrol · PJ66 WWB

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 28 July 2026, although it should be noted that this pass came immediately after a failed test on the preceding day, indicating that remedial work was carried out to clear the previous defects before a subsequent presentation. The 2026 failure recorded a Dangerous defect for rear brake pads being less than 1.5 mm thick, alongside a Major defect for excessive wear or free play in the offside front Macpherson strut top bush or bearing, both of which represent serious safety-related items. Advisories on the failure and pass test also noted corrosion on the nearside front Macpherson strut, light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber, and wear or pitting on both front and rear brake discs. Reviewing the broader MOT history, the maintenance trend shows a gradually worsening picture, with recurring advisories relating to the rear shock absorbers appearing across multiple tests from 2023, 2025, and 2026, rear brake components flagged in 2025 and 2026, and a coolant leak from the water pump noted in 2022. The cluster of suspension, brake, and corrosion advisories in the most recent test, combined with the failed presentation, suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase where age-related wear items are beginning to accumulate more rapidly. The recorded mileage of 69,385 miles over a ten-year period equates to an annual average of approximately 6,938 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and indicates consistent rather than sporadic use. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest the vehicle has been laid up for extended periods, nor is there evidence of unusually rapid mileage accumulation between tests. This consistent usage pattern is generally beneficial, as regular driving tends to keep mechanical components, seals, brake surfaces, and the drivetrain in a more functional state than prolonged standing. However, even at average mileage, a ten-year-old vehicle will naturally present with wear on consumable and structural components, and the MOT history bears this out through the recurring advisories. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the suspension and braking systems, given the recurring advisories and the dangerous brake pad failure recorded in 2026. The offside rear shock absorber has been flagged for light oil misting at three consecutive tests, indicating a weeping seal that will progressively worsen and compromise damping efficiency; on a test drive, listen for knocking or excessive bouncing over uneven road surfaces, particularly at the rear. The Macpherson strut top bush or bearing that failed on wear and free play is a critical component affecting steering precision and front-end stability, so any clonking over bumps, vague steering, or uneven front tyre wear should be investigated promptly. The brake discs noted as worn, pitted, or scored on both axles will have reduced thermal capacity and may produce vibration or shudder under heavy braking; combined with the recent pad replacement, the discs should be measured for remaining thickness and checked for lipping or hot spots. The water pump coolant leak flagged in 2022 should be confirmed as resolved, with checks for residual staining, pressure testing if possible, and inspection of coolant level and condition. Given the vehicle's age of ten years, irrespective of its moderate mileage, several time-based degradation factors warrant physical inspection regardless of what the MOT history alone reveals. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking or perishing, as the 2024 advisory on the nearside rear tyre suggests rubber degradation is already occurring, and any tyres over five or six years old should be replaced regardless of tread depth due to reduced grip from硬化. The 12V battery should be tested for cranking performance, as batteries beyond four to five years of service commonly fail without warning, particularly in vehicles with stop-start systems. Brake calipers, particularly the rear units, should be checked for binding or seized slider pins, which are common on vehicles of this age and can cause uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. Fluid services including brake fluid, which is hygroscopic and should be changed every two to three years, engine coolant, and transmission fluid if applicable should be verified against the service schedule. Finally, confirm a complete service history with stamped evidence, as regular oil and filter changes are essential for the longevity of the hybrid system components and petrol engine in this Toyota Auris.