2016 Toyota Avensis 1.8L Petrol · YE16 HKP

The 2016 Toyota Avensis presented for its most recent MOT on 1 April 2026 at 76,734 miles and passed, though with an advisory noting a fitted child seat obstructing full inspection of the nearside rear adult seatbelt. The preceding history reveals a clear maintenance trend that has stabilised after a significant failure. The vehicle failed its test on 10 April 2025 at 66,791 miles due to a deep cut in the nearside rear tyre, a serious defect. Prior to this failure, the tester issued advisories for tyre wear on the edges in May 2024 (offside rear) and June 2023 (nearside front). The last two consecutive tests in 2025 and 2026 have passed with no recorded defects, indicating the critical tyre issue was resolved and maintenance has since been adequate. Mileage accumulation is consistent and typical for the vehicle's age. The recorded history shows steady annual use, with approximately 8,000 to 10,000 miles added between each test from June 2023 (52,209 miles) to April 2026 (76,734 miles). This averages roughly 7,600 miles per year over the car's lifetime, aligning with the expected usage for a ten-year-old family saloon. There are no anomalous gaps in the testing record or sudden spikes in mileage that would suggest periods of disuse or high-intensity operation like taxi duty. The data presents a picture of normal, consistent private ownership. A buyer must physically inspect the suspension and steering geometry. The recurring advisories for edge wear on both front and rear tyres, particularly the nearside side, strongly suggest a history of poor wheel alignment or worn suspension components. The specific failure was a sidewall cut, which can occur from impact with kerbs or potholes, but the pattern of edge wear points to ongoing alignment issues. Therefore, the front and rear suspension bushes, track rod ends, and coil springs should be examined for excessive play or deterioration. The rear brake system should also be checked for binding calipers or uneven disc wear, as this can cause abnormal tyre scrub. Finally, the incomplete seatbelt inspection from the latest test requires direct verification. The buyer must manually check the operation and anchorage of the nearside rear adult seatbelt, ensuring it retracts smoothly and locks correctly. While structural corrosion was not flagged in this record, a thorough visual inspection of the sills, wheel arches, and underbody is essential for any ten-year-old vehicle, especially if it has been operated in regions that use road salt. The powertrain and other systems show no recorded faults, but the tyre and alignment history remains the primary focus for a pre-purchase examination.