2004 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · CA54 AEC

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by progressive structural deterioration. While the most recent test on 8 June 2026 at 142,732 miles resulted in a pass, the record shows a consistent pattern of worsening corrosion and neglected minor components. The vehicle has repeatedly failed MOT inspections due to structural issues, most notably the June 2025 failure where the offside rear outer suspension component mounting was excessively corroded, significantly reducing structural strength. Although subsequent tests suggest this specific area was addressed or deemed acceptable, the underlying issue of widespread corrosion remains a persistent threat to the vehicle's long-term integrity. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 6,488 miles per year. There is a significant jump in the records between February 2020 at 134,319 miles and February 2021 at 135,484 miles, followed by steady annual increments. This pattern suggests regular, albeit light, usage. However, the mechanical history indicates that while the car is driven, the maintenance appears reactive rather than preventative. The frequent recurrence of minor electrical faults, such as the nearside front fog light failing in almost every test since 2021, suggests a lack of attention to basic upkeep. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the vehicle's underside and structural sills. The MOT history shows a chronic issue with corrosion affecting the rear sub-frame, rear inner suspension component mountings, and various coil springs. The tester flagged the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover as severely deteriorated in both 2025 and 2026, indicating that suspension components are reaching the end of their service life. The presence of recurring advisories regarding tyre cuts and nails also points to a pattern of deferred consumable replacement. Beyond the structural concerns, the buyer should verify the condition of the braking system and lighting. The record shows previous issues with brake pad thickness and rear brake balance, alongside persistent headlamp lens defects. Given the age of the vehicle and the documented history of underside corrosion, a professional inspection of the chassis integrity is essential to ensure that the reported corrosion has not progressed into a more serious structural failure that could compromise the vehicle's safety.