2009 Toyota Auris 1.6L Petrol · SL59 FOF

The 2009 Toyota Auris presented for your consideration most recently passed its MOT on 13 October 2025, although two minor defects and two advisories were recorded alongside the pass. The minor items included an inoperative rear registration plate lamp and a severely deteriorated nearside front outer CV joint boot, while the advisories noted light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber and a rear handbrake requiring adjustment. Looking at the broader picture across the recorded tests, the maintenance trend is best described as broadly stable but with a gradual accumulation of advisories and minor defects rather than improvement, including a failed test in October 2024 for a damaged lower arm bush, position lamp failures, and a damaged rear bumper, and another failure in October 2023 for a corroded rear brake hose ferrule. Several of these items, particularly the suspension components, brake hardware, and corrosion on the rear subframe, point to a vehicle that is beginning to show its age in terms of consumable and structural wear. That said, none of the advisories have escalated into categorically failed items in the most recent test, which suggests the owner has been addressing items as they arise. The recorded mileage of 142,265 miles over approximately 17 years equates to around 8,369 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with average usage for a car of this vintage. The annual mileage appears consistent throughout the MOT record, with no prolonged gaps that would suggest long periods of standing unused, nor any sudden surges in mileage that might indicate motorway commuting or heavy use. This consistency is reassuring from a mechanical perspective, as regularly driven vehicles tend to suffer less from issues such as seized brake calipers, perished fuel lines, and dried seals, although at this mileage the engine, transmission, and clutch should still be considered life-limited components approaching the upper end of their expected service life. Turning to the recurring items in the history, the CV joint boot defect recorded at the most recent test is particularly worthy of attention. A split or deteriorated boot will allow grease to escape and contaminants to enter, leading to eventual joint failure and a costly replacement; on a test drive, listen for a rhythmic clicking or knocking from the front nearside corner when turning at low speed, and inspect the boot itself for fresh grease deposits or splits. The offside front shock absorber showing oil misting should be monitored closely, as this typically progresses to a weeping seal and reduced damping efficiency, manifesting as poor ride control, excessive body roll through corners, or a clunking noise over uneven surfaces. The rear handbrake adjustment advisory is a relatively simple fix but should be confirmed as rectified, since a poorly adjusted handbrake can lead to rear brake shoe wear or the vehicle rolling on inclines. Furthermore, the 2023 advisory regarding rear subframe corrosion, although not classified as seriously weakened, warrants a physical inspection underneath the vehicle to ensure it has not progressed, particularly around the mounting points, as structural corrosion can become a safety and economic concern on older vehicles. Beyond the recorded MOT items, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants several practical physical checks during any inspection. Tyre condition should be assessed closely for age-related perishing and cracking on the sidewalls regardless of tread depth, as rubber degrades over time; budget for a full set of replacements if any are original or showing signs of deterioration. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance, as a 17-year-old battery or even a recent replacement in a high-mileage car can fail without warning. All fluid services should be confirmed, including engine oil and filter, coolant, brake fluid (which is hygroscopic and should be renewed every two years regardless of mileage), and automatic transmission fluid if applicable. Examine the undercarriage and wheel arches for corrosion, particularly around the rear subframe area already flagged, check for oil leaks from the engine and transmission that may have progressed beyond the 2022 advisory, and verify that the service book or digital history shows evidence of regular cambelt and water pump replacement, as a neglected timing belt on a high-mileage Toyota can result in catastrophic engine damage. Finally, ensure the warning lights extinguish promptly on startup and that the air conditioning system blows cold, as neglected auxiliary systems on older vehicles often indicate broader neglect.