Advice on purchasing 2006 Toyota Corolla on AutoTrader

[Ed666]

Hi there,

I am interested in purchasing the following Toyota Corolla on AutoTrader.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201806297947642?year-from=2006&maximum-badge-engine-size=1.6&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=sponsored&transmission=Manual&minimum-badge-engine-size=1.6&radius=1500&postcode=gu105nt&model=COROLLA&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&maximum-mileage=80000&make=TOYOTA&page=1

However, I have done a quick MOT search for the number plate - YA06UGE - and it has thrown up a few past ‘fails’ and also an “outstanding recall”.

Could anyone kindly advise me as to whether they think that this car is still worth going to look at and potentially purchasing with this new information? 

Any thoughts or guidance would be much appreciated. 

[fordulike]

I'm guessing the recall is probably airbag related. Common to many different manufacturer's vehicles. Google Takata.

The MOT fails look like mainly brake related. Can be common problems on most cars too, if owners don't maintain the pads, discs, shoes etc. The valve stem issue could be just a shoddy garage, not replacing them after a new tyre change.

Go and have a look, but take a friend who knows key areas to look for problems.

 

[Ed666]

Okay great - thank you so much.

Unfortunately, will have to go alone to have a look, as I don't know anyone who is particularly clued up with cars.

What are the major areas (potential deal breakers) that you think I should look out for?

[oldcodger]

Hi,

+1 ForduLike,

plus

You just need to drive it and see if it feels ok and no signs of poor starting or smoke from the exhaust;  ride, steering and brakes feel ok,  tyres look ok.

My 56 plate 2006 colour collection has the digital control panel for the heating and air con, but that  one does not seem to have it ?  perhaps a late registered 2005 model which seem to have the rotary controls,  personally would prefer the rotary dials as they are quicker to change, though the digital controls do have climate control.

Would want to know who I was dealing with a private individual  where you have no warranty or come back, eg buyer beware, or a sole trader / registered business where you have legal recourse, eg you can return the car as faulty etc .  Anyone can call themselves xyz cars on a web site,  means nothing.

Keep copies of the ad and of the other cars he is selling to show he is selling like a trader.

Though Toyotas are generally very reliable, you are looking at a 12 year old one.