2010 Toyota IQ: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Toyota IQ?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Toyota IQ than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Wipers1.6× usual
  Toyota IQ

  5.6% All 2010 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2.3% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Flexible brake hoses2.1× usual
  Toyota IQ

  3.9% All 2010 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Link ball joint covers1.8× usual
  Toyota IQ

  4.6% All 2010 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.5% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2010 Toyota IQ MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Toyota IQ MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  31% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  27% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  23% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  20% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Exhaust and emissions
  5% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Toyota IQ

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2010 Toyota IQ as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2010 Toyota IQ as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2010 Toyota IQ as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?