2013 Toyota Auris 1.6L Petrol · SW13 FSE

The latest MOT test for the 2013 Toyota Auris was conducted on 2026-02-12, resulting in a passing grade despite the presence of several advisories. While the vehicle has maintained a passing MOT status since 2024, the recurring advisories—particularly regarding front and rear brake disc wear, suspension arm pin or bush wear, and tyre conditions—suggest a pattern of gradual mechanical degradation rather than a sudden deterioration. The failure in 2024-04-02, which recorded no defects, indicates a brief period of stability, but the subsequent advisories in 2025 and 2026 highlight ongoing wear that requires monitoring. The advisories are not severe enough to fail the test outright, but their persistence suggests that the vehicle may be approaching critical thresholds for suspension and braking components, warranting closer attention from a prospective buyer. The recorded mileage of 96,894 miles for a vehicle aged 13 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 7,453 miles per year, which is within the expected range for this model’s age. Lower mileage could imply periods of inactivity or light use, potentially leading to issues such as standing corrosion on the exhaust system, brake disc corrosion from prolonged idling, or fluid degradation due to infrequent servicing. Conversely, higher mileage would accelerate wear on consumables like brake pads, suspension bushes, and tyres, but the given mileage does not suggest rapid or aggressive usage that would drastically compromise structural integrity or drivetrain components. The consistency of the mileage figure, however, does not preclude the possibility of underlying maintenance neglect, as advisories suggest components are being stressed beyond typical wear expectations. Given the recurring advisories, particularly the front and rear brake discs showing pitted or scored conditions and the suspension arm pins or bushes exhibiting wear without excessive movement, the buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension during the test drive. Listen for uneven brake pedal travel, which could indicate warped or binding brake discs, and check for pulsations or vibrations that may suggest disc warping or misaligned calipers. Inspect the brake discs for excessive thickness loss or signs of glazing, which can lead to reduced braking efficiency and increased stopping distances. Additionally, examine the suspension for excessive clunking or rattling when driving over bumps, which may reveal further wear in the arm pins or bushes, potentially leading to alignment issues or premature failure of coil springs or control arms. The nearside rear stop lamps failing in 2025 should be rectified immediately, as this is a safety-critical failure that must be addressed before road use. For the buyer, the advisories present a clear maintenance priority, but the vehicle’s age and mileage also necessitate broader checks. The rear shock absorbers showing slight external corrosion suggest that the vehicle has been exposed to moisture or road debris, which could accelerate internal wear. Inspect the shock absorbers for signs of oil leakage or a loss of compression, which would manifest as poor ride quality or excessive bounce during cornering. The tyres, particularly the nearside rear and offside front, show wear close to the legal limit, indicating that further tread depth monitoring is essential. Check for sidewall cracks or perishing, which can weaken the tyre structure and lead to blowouts, especially in older vehicles. Given the vehicle’s age, the 12V battery should be tested for voltage output and overall health, as standing vehicles can suffer from parasitic drain or internal corrosion, leading to failure. Finally, since the vehicle has not undergone a full service in recent years, the buyer should verify the presence of service book stamps for fluid changes, particularly brake fluid, which can degrade over time and corrode brake components even if the discs appear clean. Calendar-based servicing for fluids like coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid should also be confirmed, as these can degrade regardless of mileage.