2010 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · DA60 EXN

A recurring theme across the MOT record is a suite of non‑structural defects that have persisted year on year – deteriorating front and rear registration plates, a rear sub‑frame showing corrosion, front brake disc surface wear, and a slight play in the off‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage. The most recent test on 31 October 2025 confirmed these advisories and added a major leak in the rear exhaust, indicating that the vehicle’s rust and wear issues have not been fully remedied and that the exhaust system is now a genuine safety concern. At 113,476 mi the Yaris has accumulated roughly 7,100 mi per annum, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within the normal range for a sixteen‑year‑old hatchback. MOT entries appear at roughly twelve‑month intervals with no extended gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been kept on the road consistently rather than sitting idle for long periods. This steady usage means wear items such as suspension bushings, brake components and exhaust joints will have been exercised regularly, but it also implies that any latent corrosion or component fatigue will have had ample mileage to develop. Prospective buyers should inspect the registration plates for legibility and replace them if the lettering is flaking or the substrate is compromised, as the MOT has flagged them repeatedly. The rear sub‑frame corrosion, while not yet deemed structurally weakened, warrants a close visual check for rust spreading into mounting points; any audible clunk over bumps or a feeling of chassis flex could indicate progression. The front brake discs, noted as pitted and scored, should be measured for remaining thickness and felt for pedal pulsation under braking – excessive vibration may point to the need for disc resurfacing or replacement. The anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint with slight play should be examined for excessive movement; a knocking sound when negotiating uneven road surfaces would confirm wear that may affect handling stability. The rear exhaust leak recorded as a major failure must be addressed before resale; listen for a hissing or ticking noise at the rear, check for soot or black deposits around the exhaust pipe, and verify that the leak is not compromising the emissions system. The 2023 emissions failures – excess carbon monoxide at idle and hydrocarbons after a fast idle – together with the exhaust leak suggest the catalytic converter or oxygen sensors may be compromised and should be tested with a diagnostic scan. Finally, the lighting faults (mis‑aimed headlamp, non‑functioning position lamp and rear plate lamp) are straightforward to rectify but must be corrected to meet legal requirements. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection that covers these specific items will give a clear picture of the remedial work required and help the buyer gauge the overall cost of bringing the car to a reliable, road‑worthy state.