2002 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · AG02 ARF

The vehicle shows a pattern of worsening mechanical condition and deferred maintenance, with the most recent MOT data from March 2023 indicating ongoing suspension issues. While the car passed its last test, the tester flagged worn shock absorber bushes on both the nearside and offside rear, mirroring failures seen in the March 2023 test. This suggests that while immediate failures are being rectified, the vehicle is subject to recurring wear in its suspension components. The recorded mileage of 127,488 miles over 24 years averages approximately 5,312 miles per year, which is low for a vehicle of this age. The data shows a steady, low-intensity usage pattern, with the distance between the February 2022 test at 124,522 miles and the March 2023 test at 127,488 miles representing only 2,966 miles of travel. However, the MOT history is not current, as the last recorded test was over three years ago, meaning the vehicle's present roadworthiness cannot be verified through these records. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity due to a serious failure in February 2022, where the offside rear suspension component mounting and outer sill were flagged for excessive corrosion significantly reducing structural strength. This type of corrosion is often progressive on older Toyotas and requires careful physical examination. The history also highlights a recurring trend of suspension wear, specifically involving anti-roll bar bushes, linkages, and shock absorbers, which should be checked for play or noise during a test drive. Further attention should be paid to the exhaust system and braking components. The record shows a history of exhaust leaks and emissions issues, notably in February 2020 and January 2015. Additionally, while brake discs were noted as pitted or scored in early 2017, the buyer should verify the current state of the braking system and ensure no binding calipers or excessive handbrake travel have developed since the last recorded inspection.