2009 Toyota Corolla 1.8L Petrol · SM58 OVO

The vehicle presents a deteriorating maintenance trend following a long period of clean records. While the car passed its 2020 test without defects, the most recent inspection in December 2021 at 56,852 miles revealed multiple mechanical and safety failures. The transition from a clean sheet to a failure involving suspension, braking, and safety equipment suggests that the vehicle has suffered from a lack of proactive maintenance, likely due to its low-use pattern or long periods of inactivity. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a seventeen-year-old Toyota, averaging only 3,344 miles per year. There is a significant gap of over 12,000 miles between June 2019 and November 2020, followed by another 10,800 miles leading into December 2021. This low usage often leads to age-related degradation of rubber components. The recorded cracking and perishing of the rear tyres noted in the 2021 test are classic symptoms of a vehicle sitting for extended periods rather than accumulating mechanical wear. A buyer must physically inspect the rear suspension, specifically the trailing arm bushes, which were flagged as deteriorating in 2021. Given the age of the vehicle, these rubber components are likely perished or cracked regardless of the mileage. The pitting and scoring on both front and rear brake discs indicate surface corrosion consistent with low-mileage use patterns. It is also essential to verify that the central rear seat belt has been properly repaired or replaced, as the previous failure was a direct result of a defective retraction mechanism.