2017 Toyota Avensis 1.6L Diesel · SV17 YUU

This 2017 Toyota Avensis has just passed its MOT on 22 May 2026 after a failed attempt three days earlier. The vehicle is now 242,302 miles on the clock, which works out to roughly 26,922 miles per year—notably high for its age and suggesting either sustained commercial use or frequent long-distance driving rather than light urban commuting. The most recent pass came with three recorded advisories: a slightly damaged nearside front mirror, an oil leak that is not excessive, and rear brake discs that are worn, pitted, and scored but not yet seriously weakened. These are relatively minor in isolation, but they sit within a troubling pattern that has emerged over the past year. The failed MOT from 19 May 2026 reveals the core concern. The vehicle presented multiple electrical faults—a non-functioning offside front headlamp on dipped beam, inoperative rear registration plate lamps, and an ineffective nearside front windscreen wiper. More significantly, it showed suspension wear with a compromised anti-roll bar linkage dust cover on the offside front and excessively worn anti-roll bar bushes on the offside rear. The exhaust system was emitting excessive smoke, and emissions testing could not be completed because smoke levels far exceeded the legal limit. An oil leak was also present. All of these issues were rectified or brought within acceptable limits within three days, which raises questions about the quality and durability of the repairs made.