2012 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · DF62 ACO

Recurring suspension component wear and recent structural failures define the mechanical profile of this Toyota Yaris, with the most recent test on 16 December 2025 showing a pass alongside advisories for worn suspension arm pins or bushes on both the nearside and offside front. This follows a pattern of instability in the front end, specifically highlighted by a major failure in December 2023 due to a fractured nearside front coil spring. While the vehicle has passed its last three inspections, the emergence of bush wear advisories suggests that the front suspension linkages are beginning to degrade, indicating a trend of component fatigue that may require attention in the near future. The vehicle's usage pattern is notably low for its age, having covered only 49,280 miles over approximately 14 years. This equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 3,520 miles, which is significantly below the UK national average. While low mileage generally implies less wear on the drivetrain and engine, such infrequent use can sometimes lead to the degradation of rubber components like suspension bushes and wiper blades, as seen in the recent MOT results. The lack of heavy high-speed motorway running may also contribute to the specific types of wear observed in the suspension and tyre edges. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension during a test drive to address the advisories regarding the arm pins and bushes. Listen for any knocking, clunking, or creaking noises when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and feel for any wandering or imprecise steering response that might indicate excessive movement in the suspension linkages. The fact that both the nearside and offside bushes were flagged suggests the wear is progressing across the axle, so any sensation of the car pulling to one side or a lack of stability during cornering should be investigated. Additionally, the record of a fractured coil spring and a previous advisory for a tyre worn close to the legal limit necessitates a thorough visual inspection of the front wheel arches and tyre tread depth. Ensure that the replacement coil spring from the 2023 failure has not been accompanied by other related wear and check that the tyres currently fitted have sufficient tread across the entire width, particularly the edges, to avoid repeating the 2024 advisory. Finally, verify that the windscreen wiper blade, which was noted as defective in the 2025 test, has been replaced to ensure adequate visibility during inclement weather.