2009 Toyota Verso petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rigid brake pipes2.4× usual
  Toyota Verso

  17.2% All 2009 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, 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.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Toyota Verso

  12.8% All 2009 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 3.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Sidelights1.6× usual
  Toyota Verso

  11.3% All 2009 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 6% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Link ball joint covers2.3× usual
  Toyota Verso

  6.7% All 2009 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.7% 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.

• Ball joint dust cover1.7× usual
  Toyota Verso

  7% All 2009 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1.7% 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.

Common 2009 Toyota Verso petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  39% 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.

• Brakes
  38% 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.

• 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
  29% 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
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

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

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 2.4× as often on the 2009 Toyota Verso petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Toyota Verso petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2009 Toyota Verso petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?