2012 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · E11 CAU

The vehicle presents a concerning trend of worsening structural corrosion, despite passing its most recent MOT on 4 August 2025 at 50,208 miles. While the car remains technically roadworthy, the inspection history shows a steady accumulation of advisories related to the chassis and suspension. The 2025 test specifically flagged corroded nearside and offside rear coil springs. This follows a pattern of escalating issues, as the 2024 test at 48,914 miles identified corrosion on both front suspension arms and front lower spring mountings, alongside the rear coil springs. The mileage profile indicates very light usage for a 2012 vehicle, averaging approximately 3,586 miles per year. Between the 2019 test at 39,003 miles and the 2020 test at 43,352 miles, the car covered over 4,000 miles, but the subsequent intervals show even lower annual accumulation. This low-mileage pattern often suggests the vehicle spends significant time stationary, which frequently accelerates surface corrosion on suspension components and brake assemblies due to moisture retention and lack of mechanical cleaning through regular use. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough underside inspection to assess the depth of the reported corrosion. The recurring mentions of corroded suspension arms, spring mountings, and coil springs suggest that the structural integrity of the suspension mounting points is deteriorating. The tester flagged a binding nearside front brake in the July 2022 test at 45,951 miles, and given the low mileage, the buyer should check for seized calipers or pitted brake discs resulting from inactivity. The history also reveals minor maintenance lapses, such as the 2015 failure regarding windscreen wipers and seat belt mechanisms, and a 2017 advisory regarding tyre sidewall damage. While these are consumable issues, the primary mechanical risk lies in the progressive oxidation of the suspension components. Any purchase should be contingent on verifying that the corrosion on the spring mountings and arms has not progressed from surface oxidation to structural thinning.