2016 Toyota Yaris 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · YK16 AAD

The 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain in this Yaris is renowned for strong fuel economy, with real-world figures typically between 55 and 70 mpg depending on driving style — a significant advantage over the conventional petrol variants. As a hybrid registered after April 2017 would be free from VED, but because this car was registered in July 2016 it falls into a standard tax band costing around £170–£190 per year. Insurance for the Yaris Hybrid tends to sit in groups 9–12, so premiums should remain modest for most drivers.

Routine maintenance costs are generally low, with standard services in the region of £150–£200 at an independent garage. The hybrid components themselves are typically covered by Toyota's hybrid battery warranty for up to ten years on older vehicles, but it is worth confirming whether any battery work has been performed. Brake wear on hybrids is usually slower than on conventional cars due to regenerative braking, although the front discs on this particular example have appeared in advisories three times, which is slightly unusual. Expect an annual maintenance budget of around £200–£350 depending on what consumables are needed, with tyres likely due imminently.

Overall annual running costs, combining fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, are estimated at £800–£1,100 for a typical owner covering average mileage.

The most prominent recurring item in this Yaris's MOT record is front brake disc wear, noted in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Although each was recorded as not excessively worn, a buyer should measure disc thickness against the manufacturer's minimum specification and check for lipping or scoring. Additionally, the 2026 test recorded rear brake disc issues in 2023 (pitted or scored) and front suspension arm corrosion on both nearside and offside — these are areas to physically examine for surface rust versus structural weakening.

The tyres require immediate attention based on the most recent test, which flagged cracking, perishing, and wear on both rear tyres. Inspect all four tyres for age-related deterioration (look for the DOT date code on the sidewall) and uneven wear patterns that might indicate alignment or suspension issues. Given that the rear tyres have appeared in three of the five MOT tests, check the rear wheel alignment and inspect for any signs of camber issues, which can be common on small hatchbacks carrying heavy loads.

For the hybrid system specifically, ensure the vehicle starts and transitions between electric and petrol modes smoothly. Listen for any unusual whining noises from under the bonnet which could indicate inverter or hybrid transmission issues. The 12V auxiliary battery in hybrids tends to fail without warning and is relatively inexpensive to replace, but worth checking. Finally, examine the underside of the car for any corrosion that may not have been visible during the MOT, particularly around suspension mounting points and the rear axle area.