2009 Toyota Verso diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Toyota Verso diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Toyota Verso diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes3.4× usual
  Toyota Verso

  24.3% All 2009 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Link ball joint covers2.5× usual
  Toyota Verso

  7.3% All 2009 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.6% of all 2009 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.

• Other suspension component3.4× usual
  Toyota Verso

  2.7% All 2009 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

• Chassis rust or damage2.4× usual
  Toyota Verso

  3.1% All 2009 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Common 2009 Toyota Verso diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Toyota Verso diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  49% 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.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Rust and bodywork
  7% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Toyota Verso diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2009 Toyota Verso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2009 Toyota Verso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the other suspension component? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2009 Toyota Verso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?