2002 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · FV02 AHY

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 December 2025 resulted in a Pass, although five advisory items were recorded, indicating that while the vehicle remains roadworthy at present, several areas are showing progressive age-related deterioration. The advisories included worn front anti-roll bar pins or bushes both sides, corrosion on both front suspension arms, corrosion of the front sub-frame, slight corrosion to the rear vehicle structure within 30 centimetres of the towbar mounting, and a supplementary restraint system warning lamp that failed to illuminate. The recurring nature of suspension-related advisories across the 2020, 2022, and 2025 tests suggests a gradual rather than abrupt decline in condition, with the appearance of structural and sub-frame advisories in the latest test being a notable development. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable enough to pass annual scrutiny, but the growing volume and severity of advisories in 2025 warrants close physical inspection before purchase. With a recorded mileage of 69,296 miles over approximately 24 years, this Yaris has covered an annual average of around 2,887 miles, which is considerably below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. This low annual mileage may indicate either gentle short-trip use or extended periods of standing between MOTs, as suggested by the irregular test dates and the absence of any recorded mileage between 2020 and 2022. Low-mileage vehicles commonly exhibit issues arising from prolonged inactivity rather than wear from use, such as corrosion of structural and suspension components, dried and cracked rubber bushes, brake disc pitting from lack of regular application, and degradation of fluids that deteriorate on time. The advisories relating to corroded coil springs in 2019 and corroded suspension arms in 2025 are consistent with this standing-use corrosion pattern. Given the recurring advisories on front anti-roll bar linkage pins and bushes across three consecutive tests, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension on inspection. Worn anti-roll bar bushes typically produce a characteristic knocking or clunking over uneven road surfaces and during direction changes, and if not addressed they can compromise cornering stability. The corrosion noted on both front suspension arms and the front sub-frame should be examined for any signs of serious weakening, flaking, or perforation, particularly around mounting points and load-bearing areas. On a test drive, listen for any knocks from the front end, pay attention to vague or wandering steering response, and check for uneven inner or outer tyre wear which may indicate worn bushes or alignment issues. The rear shock absorbers, which have repeatedly shown external casing damage and worn bushes, should also be inspected for leaking fluid, irregular damping, and any clonking noises over speed humps or rough surfaces. In addition to the advisory-related items, the low annual mileage profile warrants specific checks that are more typical of a stored or lightly used vehicle. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking from age rather than simply tread depth, as old tyres can become unsafe even with adequate tread. Brake discs and calipers should be inspected for severe surface corrosion, binding, or seized operation from lack of use, and a test drive should confirm straight-line stability without pulling and a firm, responsive brake pedal without shudder. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries lasting beyond five years in low-use conditions frequently fail without warning. Coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil should be verified for recent service based on time rather than mileage intervals, and the engine should be started from cold to observe smoke, excessive vibration, or cooling system leaks. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp advisory should also be queried, as a non-illuminating airbag warning lamp could indicate a fault within the airbag system that requires diagnostic investigation prior to purchase.