2002 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · AV02 DZL

The Toyota Yaris in question demonstrates a stable roadworthiness record over the past four MOT cycles, with the most recent test on 2025-12-09 confirming no defects and a clean pass. This consistency suggests the vehicle has been maintained at a basic level, though the absence of advisories or recurring faults does not preclude underlying issues that may not have manifested during testing. The last failure—on 2022-12-09—was unusually noted as a "FAILED" entry with no defects recorded, which is atypical and may indicate a data anomaly rather than a mechanical issue. Beyond that, the vehicle has passed all subsequent tests without fail, implying that any potential problems were either resolved or not severe enough to trigger a fail. The recorded mileage of 80,402 miles over approximately 24 years equates to an average of around 3,350 miles per year, a figure significantly lower than the UK average for vehicles of this age. This suggests either minimal usage, prolonged periods of storage, or a combination of both. The most notable gap in testing occurs between 2022-12-09 and 2022-12-15, where the vehicle was retested just six days later after an initial failure—an unusual interval that warrants scrutiny. Beyond that, the regular annual testing pattern indicates compliance with legal requirements, but the low mileage raises questions about the condition of components typically affected by wear, such as suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake pads. Given the lack of recorded advisories or defects, a prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear areas that may not have been rigorously tested during MOTs. The suspension—particularly the rear bushes and coil springs—should be examined for excessive play or corrosion, as these are common failure points in vehicles of this age and mileage. Brake calipers and binding mechanisms should be checked for corrosion or improper operation, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Structural integrity, including the floor pans, sills, and wheel arches, must be inspected for signs of rust penetration, which could compromise safety. Finally, the exhaust system should be assessed for leaks or damage, as emissions-related failures are not always captured in MOT testing. The absence of a detailed service history makes these checks particularly critical.