2021 Toyota Corolla Icon Tech HEV CVT 1.8L Hybrid electric · WM70 VRT

The 2021 Toyota Corolla Icon Tech HEV CVT currently holds a valid MOT certificate, having passed its most recent examination on 1 August 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded. Reviewing the available DVSA history, the vehicle has demonstrated a stable maintenance trend, passing its last three tests with clean sheets. The two recorded failures, both dated 28 January 2025 and 22 January 2024, are unusual in that they carry no specific defect information, which suggests they were likely minor administrative refusals or items addressed immediately and successfully retested on the same day, as evidenced by the matching pass entries. There is no recurrence of any particular mechanical issue, which is a positive indicator for a prospective buyer. With a recorded mileage of 42,692 miles over approximately five years, this Corolla is achieving around 8,500 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a privately owned car of this age and segment. This level of usage suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly rather than left standing for extended periods, which is generally beneficial for the hybrid powertrain, 12-volt battery health, brake calliper function, and tyre condition. The mileage progression recorded at MOT tests appears consistent without any unusually large gaps or sudden spikes, indicating steady use and reducing the likelihood of deterioration from prolonged inactivity or excessive wear from high-mileage driving. Despite the clean MOT history, a buyer should still carry out age and mileage-appropriate physical checks. Tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with time regardless of tread depth, and uneven wear patterns across the axle could point to suspension geometry issues, worn bushes, or tracking misalignment. The hybrid system should be checked for smooth transitions between electric and petrol drive, with any warning lights on the dashboard investigated. Brake discs, particularly on a vehicle that may have experienced periods of light use, are susceptible to corrosion and calliper binding, so a test drive should include firm stops from speed to confirm there is no shudder, and the car should roll freely on a level surface when handbrake is released to rule off seized rear callipers, which are common on Toyota models of this era. Given the vehicle is now five years old, calendar-based servicing becomes increasingly relevant even with modest mileage. Coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid for the CVT should be confirmed as replaced per manufacturer schedules, as these degrade chemically over time rather than purely through use. The 12-volt auxiliary battery, which powers the hybrid system control units and starting procedure, typically has a service life of four to six years and warrants a voltage or health check. Finally, verify the service book stamps or digital service records to ensure the hybrid system health check, oil changes, and any Toyota warranty work have been completed at the correct intervals, as a well-documented Toyota hybrid will provide the most reliable long-term ownership experience.