2010 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · BN10 DHG

A pattern of advancing tyre wear and front‑suspension wear underpins the mechanical narrative of this 2010 Toyota Yaris, with a serious off‑side front coil‑spring fracture recorded in 2021 but no recurrence in subsequent tests. The latest MOT on 5 December 2025 was passed, yet it still flagged the front inner tyre approaching the legal limit and a front inner suspension arm pin showing wear, echoing similar advisories from the previous three years. The consistency of tyre‑related advisories and the lingering suspension‑arm wear suggest that the wear items have been managed just enough to satisfy the MOT but have not been fully resolved. At 121,581 mi the vehicle averages roughly 7,600 mi per annum, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for a sixteen‑year‑old hatchback. The MOT record shows annual testing with no significant gaps, indicating the car has been regularly presented for inspection rather than sitting idle for extended periods. This steady accumulation means consumable wear items such as tyres, brake pads and suspension components are likely to be at a moderate stage of life, but the cumulative mileage still places the drivetrain and chassis under a respectable amount of wear that should be expected on a vehicle of this age. Prospective buyers should focus on the tyre and suspension package. Inspect the front tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracking and uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes; a vibration or pulling sensation when cruising at speed would corroborate such issues. The front suspension arm pins and bushes, repeatedly noted as worn, should be examined for excessive play or knocking noises over bumps, and replacement of the bushings may be prudent to restore precise steering response. The front brake pads, flagged as thin in both 2022 and 2023, are likely nearing the end of their service life and should be measured for remaining thickness; a pedal that feels soft or a squealing noise under moderate braking would confirm the need for replacement. The 2021 coil‑spring fracture on the off‑side front suggests a potential weakness in the rear‑wheel suspension that, if left unaddressed, could lead to a harsh ride or uneven rear‑wheel movement; a clunk or thump when traversing road imperfections would be a clear symptom. The minor rear‑exhaust leak noted in 2021 may manifest as a faint ticking sound or a faint exhaust smell at low revs and should be inspected for cracked joints or loose clamps. Additionally, the off‑side rear position lamp was missing in 2021, and the windscreen wiper split and chip were recorded in 2020; verify that the lamp is now fitted and functional, and that the wiper restores a clear sweep. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection that confirms the replacement of the front coil spring, renewal of front tyres, servicing of the brake pads and a check of the suspension bushings will be essential to bring the vehicle to a reliable road‑worthy state.