2018 Toyota Yaris 1.5L Hybrid electric · DN68 CGF

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 September 2025 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and the 2024 retest on 27 September 2025 also returned a pass with no advisories after an isolated failure one day earlier. That earlier failure on 26 September 2024 concerned only the parking brake system, with the offside parking brake recorded as inoperative on one side and overall parking brake efficiency falling below the required threshold. No other brake, suspension, or structural defects have appeared across the six recorded tests, and the advisories noted in September 2022 related solely to nearside and offside rear tyres wearing close to the legal limit and on the edge. Overall the maintenance trajectory is stable and reassuring, particularly as the only failure was a relatively minor parking brake issue that was rectified the following day and has not recurred. The recorded mileage of 64,523 miles over approximately eight years equates to an annual usage of around 8,065 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and segment. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would suggest long periods of standing, and the mileage progression between annual tests appears consistent and steady. This pattern of regular, moderate use is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, as it avoids both the prolonged inactivity that can degrade seals, brakes, and battery condition, and the high-mileage wear that accelerates clutch, suspension, and drivetrain consumption. The annual MOT cycle appears to have been maintained without lapse, suggesting the vehicle has been in active service throughout its life to date. For a prospective buyer, the parking brake failure warrants specific attention during inspection and test drive. Listen for any binding, dragging, or reluctance to release on the offside rear brake, and confirm that the lever or foot pedal holds firmly on an incline without creeping. Check that the handbrake cables operate smoothly without fraying or excessive travel, and inspect the rear brake shoes or caliper mechanism for even wear, as uneven adjustment or a seized cable can cause the inefficiency recorded previously. The rear edge wear advisories from 2022 are now several years old and the tyres will have been replaced since, so inspect the current rear tyres for even tread across the full width, and ensure there is no renewed shoulder wear which could indicate suspension geometry issues, tracking misalignment, or inconsistent inflation. Uneven rear tyre wear can also point to weakened rear beam bushes, which are a known wear item on this platform and worth checking for cracking or deterioration. Beyond the recorded items, this eight year old Yaris warrants the usual age related inspections even though the MOT record is largely clean. Examine the sidewalls of all tyres carefully for perishing or cracking from age, as rubber degrades regardless of tread wear, and inspect the brake discs for any significant corrosion pitting or lipping that might suggest the vehicle has been left standing for prolonged periods. Check the 12 volt battery for secure mounting and signs of weakness on start up, particularly as battery life rarely exceeds five to seven years. Verify that the service book contains evidence of regular oil and filter changes, and confirm that the brake fluid, coolant, and if applicable manual transmission oil have been renewed on a calendar basis, as these degrade with time rather than mileage. Finally, on the test drive listen for any clonks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or top mount bearings, and ensure the clutch operates smoothly without slipping under load, as these are common age related consumables on a vehicle of this profile.