2004 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · DG04 HFW

The Toyota Yaris in question has demonstrated a concerning pattern of MOT failures over the past two years, with the most recent test on 2025-11-20 passing without defects—though this follows a failure just two weeks prior on 2025-11-12. The trend is neither improving nor resolving; rather, it suggests a recurring issue that has been intermittently overlooked or inadequately addressed by previous owners. The 2024 cycle repeated this pattern, with a failure on 2024-11-30 and a subsequent pass on 2024-12-03, implying the same underlying problem persisted. While the absence of recorded defects in passing tests provides no insight into what specifically failed, the repeated failures indicate a lack of consistent maintenance or a critical component nearing failure. The recorded mileage of 136,148 miles over approximately 22 years equates to an average of around 6,189 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps or spikes in the MOT history to suggest prolonged neglect or rapid deterioration, though the lack of detailed defect records means wear patterns cannot be precisely mapped. The most notable observation is the clustering of tests around November each year, which may indicate the vehicle was only tested when legally required rather than as part of a proactive maintenance schedule. Given the repeated MOT failures, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, as binding or unevenly worn components are the most common cause of such failures. The suspension—particularly rear suspension bushes and coil springs—should be examined for excessive wear or corrosion, as these often correlate with handling issues that could trigger a failure. Additionally, the exhaust system should be checked for leaks or structural weakness, as emissions-related failures are another frequent cause of MOT rejections. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and underbody, warrants scrutiny, as rust can compromise safety-critical components without immediate warning. The absence of specific defect details means these areas must be thoroughly assessed in person.