2009 Toyota Avensis 2.0L Diesel · YC09 RZY

Front‑end wear dominates the MOT record – recurring advisories for the off‑side anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint and the nearside front suspension arm pin or bush, together with repeated notes on front brake disc condition, indicate a pattern of wear that has not been fully resolved. The latest MOT on 29 May 2026 recorded a pass but retained the same suspension advisories, showing that while the vehicle meets the legal minimum, the underlying front‑suspension play remains a persistent issue. At 120,201 mi over 17 years the average annual mileage sits around 7,000 mi, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and does not suggest any periods of unusually high use or long storage gaps. The steady kilometre accumulation means wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is likely to be proportional to age rather than driven by extreme mileage spikes, but it also implies that the front‑end parts flagged in the MOT have been subject to normal wear cycles for many years. When you inspect the car, focus on the front suspension and anti‑roll bar linkage. On a low‑speed drive, listen for clunking or knocking over bumps and feel for any looseness in the steering column or a vague wandering feel, which would confirm the reported ball‑joint play and worn suspension arm bush. Examine the brake discs for surface scoring and measure the remaining thickness; the advisories note pitting that, while not yet dangerous, often precedes thinning that can affect braking efficiency. Inspect the front brake pipes for corrosion or grease build‑up – any signs of leakage or stiff pedal feel should be taken seriously. Tyre tread should be checked for the legal 1.6 mm minimum, especially on the front pair which have been flagged as close to the limit; sidewall cracks or perishing on the rear off‑side tyre also merit replacement. Verify that both windscreen washer reservoirs deliver fluid correctly, as insufficient washer liquid was recorded as a failure. Given the history, a prudent buyer should budget for potential replacement of the front suspension arm bushings or pins, the anti‑roll bar ball joint, and possibly the front brake discs and corroded brake pipes. Re‑tyring the front set and addressing the washer system are low‑cost fixes, but the seat‑belt buckle failure recorded in 2022 must be confirmed as remedied before any road use. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection that concentrates on these specific items will reveal whether the car’s remaining service life justifies the purchase price.