2013 Toyota IQ: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Toyota IQ?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Toyota IQ than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Toyota IQ

  7.1% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.6% of all 2013 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.

• Side repeaters2.5× usual
  Toyota IQ

  2.5% All 2013 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Flexible brake hoses2.3× usual
  Toyota IQ

  2.1% All 2013 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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.

Common 2013 Toyota IQ MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Toyota IQ MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  26% 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
  23% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  16% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  10% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% 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 2013 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2013 Toyota IQ as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2013 Toyota IQ as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2013 Toyota IQ as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?