2015 Toyota Yaris 1.4L Diesel · YH15 ABN

The Toyota Yaris has shown a clear deterioration in maintenance standards over the past year, culminating in a recent failure just days before the March 2026 retest. The March 2026 failure—caused solely by a non-functional tyre pressure monitoring system alongside persistent tyre perishing—was rectified swiftly, but the recurrence of cracked tyres across all four wheels in consecutive tests suggests a pattern of neglect rather than isolated incidents. More concerning is the progression of brake disc wear, which first appeared in March 2023 as minor pitting but remained unaddressed until the March 2025 test, where it had clearly worsened. The absence of any defects in the March 2024 MOT is an outlier, implying either a brief period of proper upkeep or a test conducted shortly after servicing. Structural issues, such as the corroded offside rear coil spring noted in 2023, have not resurfaced, but the lack of follow-up repairs raises questions about long-term suspension integrity. The vehicle’s mileage accumulation—averaging around 6,579 miles per year—aligns with typical usage for its age, though the rapid 2,631-mile increase between March 2025 (69,724 miles) and March 2026 (72,365 miles) may indicate heavier recent use or a delay in testing. The clean March 2024 MOT at 66,438 miles stands out as an anomaly, given the subsequent recurrence of defects, and implies either a well-timed service or a test conducted just before significant wear became apparent. The absence of earlier records beyond 2023 means there’s no visibility into how the coil spring corrosion or oil seal leak were managed before that point, leaving potential hidden issues unresolved. For a prospective buyer, the most urgent areas to inspect are the brake system and tyre condition. The front brake discs have shown progressive wear over three years, and while not yet at a critical stage, their condition should be verified for uneven thinning or excessive scoring, which could lead to binding or vibration. The tyre pressure monitoring system’s failure in March 2026—paired with the persistent perishing of all four tyres—demands immediate replacement, as cracked or dry-rotten tyres pose an immediate safety risk. The corroded coil spring from 2023, though not re-flagged, should be checked for further deterioration, as coil spring failure can compromise handling and lead to uneven tyre wear. Finally, the drive shaft oil seal leak, while not excessive, warrants inspection for fluid trails or contamination, as prolonged neglect could accelerate drivetrain wear.