2016 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · AM08 URN

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT in September 2025, although the overall maintenance trend has shifted from stable to worsening over the last twenty four months. While the car enjoyed a series of clean passes between 2020 and 2023, the more recent history reveals a pattern of chassis and suspension degradation. The transition from major failures involving a fractured coil spring and a rough wheel bearing in 2024 to current advisories regarding worn front suspension arm bushes indicates that the vehicle is now experiencing typical age related fatigue of its rubber and structural components. With a recorded mileage of 45,209 miles over approximately ten years, this Yaris has been used significantly less than the national average, averaging roughly 4,521 miles per year. While low mileage generally implies less wear on the engine and drivetrain, such a low annual usage rate often suggests periods of prolonged standing. This usage profile shifts the mechanical risk from wear and tear to degradation caused by inactivity, which can manifest as perished rubber seals, oxidized brake surfaces, and the deterioration of fluids that should be replaced based on time rather than distance. During a physical inspection and test drive, particular attention must be paid to the front suspension. The current advisories for the suspension arm pins and bushes suggest that the rubber is beginning to perish or tear; listen for knocks or clunks when traversing uneven surfaces or during low speed manoeuvring. Furthermore, the previous advisory regarding pitted and scored front brake discs is a classic symptom of a vehicle that has stood for long periods. You should check for brake shudder under deceleration and inspect the discs for heavy corrosion or signs of binding calipers, which can occur when vehicles are not driven frequently enough to keep the braking system clear. Given the low mileage and age, it is essential to verify the service history to ensure that oil and filter changes have been performed according to the manufacturer's calendar intervals rather than solely by mileage. Check the tyre sidewalls for fine cracking or perishing, as tyres often expire due to age before the tread is worn down. Finally, test the health of the 12V battery and inspect the coolant and brake fluid for contamination or degradation, as these fluids absorb moisture over time regardless of how many miles the vehicle has covered.