2004 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · CF53 WLL

The most recent DVSA MOT test was conducted on 1 June 2026 and resulted in a Pass, although five advisories were recorded against the vehicle. Looking at the recent history more broadly, the trend is one of broadly stable roadworthiness with a clear and progressive deterioration in the condition of the suspension, underbody, and related structural areas, alongside some intermittent minor electrical issues. The 2024 test was entirely clean of advisories, but the 2025 and 2026 tests show a growing list of corrosion-related notes, particularly around the rear suspension mountings, coil spring platforms, front shock absorbers, and exhaust. There have also been two failed tests in quick succession in May and June 2026, with the most recent failure caused by a non-functioning windscreen washer and an inoperative registration plate lamp, both of which are minor items but are nonetheless recorded as Major defects. It is also worth noting that advisories from failed tests have been carried over to the subsequent pass, suggesting that several of the underlying wear items have not been rectified between tests. The recorded mileage of 102,310 miles over approximately 22 years equates to an annual average of around 4,650 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. The MOT record does not include annual mileage readings, so it is not possible to identify specific periods of standing or unusually heavy use, but the overall figure strongly suggests a car that has either been used for short local trips or has spent significant periods off the road. Low-mileage vehicles of this vintage commonly suffer from age-related deterioration rather than wear, particularly in the form of dried and perished rubber components, oxidised brake discs with surface corrosion, degraded coolant and brake fluid, and weakened 12V battery cells. The very short gap between the failed test on 29 May 2026 and the subsequent pass on 1 June 2026 also suggests the vehicle was repaired promptly, but a buyer should confirm the nature and quality of that remedial work. The recurring advisories relating to suspension and underbody corrosion warrant close physical inspection prior to purchase. The notes on the rear suspension component mountings, the prescribed area corrosion on the rear suspension, the corroded coil spring platforms on the front struts, and the corroded front shock absorbers all point to a vehicle that is beginning to suffer from the typical age-related surface corrosion seen on early-2000s Japanese cars operated in the UK climate. A buyer should jack the vehicle safely and inspect the rear trailing arm bushes for cracking or play, check the front strut tops for any movement when rocked, and look carefully at the rear inner sills and outer sills for any bubbling under the underseal or repair material, as the 2026 advisory specifically mentions a previous repair covered in underseal on the offside rear outer sill. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly speed humps and potholes, and pay attention to any vagueness in steering response or rear instability under load, which could indicate worn bushes or weakened spring platforms. The advisories on both front brake hoses from 2023, the fluctuating offside rear service brake noted in 2025, and the general brake-related advice mean the brake system should also be inspected, with checks for spongy pedal feel, pulling under braking, and any binding or seized calipers, the latter being common on low-mileage cars that have stood for long periods. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and likely low usage of this Yaris mean a prospective buyer should carry out a number of straightforward age-appropriate checks that will not necessarily be reflected in the MOT history. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking, perishing, and tread depth, as old tyres can harden and lose grip even with adequate tread. Brake discs, particularly the rear drums or discs, may show heavy surface rust or pitting from standing, so the car should be driven and then re-inspected to confirm the brakes self-clean. The 12V battery is likely to be well beyond its typical service life, and a load test or replacement budget should be considered. Coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil should all be treated as due for renewal on a calendar basis, typically every two to three years regardless of mileage, and service history should be verified to confirm these intervals have been observed. Finally, the exhaust centre and rear sections were noted as corroded in 2022, and given the steady progression of underbody corrosion across subsequent tests, a thorough check of the full exhaust system for leaks, blowing joints, and holed sections is strongly advised before committing to purchase.