2003 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · DX53 OFE
2003 Toyota Yaris (1.0L, petrol). First registered 23/10/2003. Recorded mileage 149,196 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA YARIS
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Chester
- MOT Status
- Valid until 17/11/2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 149,196 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2003
- Engine
- 998cc
DX53 OFE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/11/2023
- 149,196 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
DX53 OFE Mileage History
- 27/10/2021123,904 mi
- 15/11/2022133,566 mi+9,662 mi
- 16/11/2022133,566 mi
- 15/11/2023149,196 mi+15,630 mi
- 15/11/2023149,196 mi
Average of roughly 12,330 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
DX53 OFE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Toyota Yaris (DX53 OFE) between October 2021 and November 2023.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 15 November 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (7 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Steering (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”; “Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2003 Toyota Yaris shows mixed reliability with multiple MOT failures, though recent checks indicate some improvements. Caution is advised due to recurring mechanical issues and high mileage.
Prioritize a thorough mechanical inspection focusing on the parking brake system, wheel bearings, and headlamp alignment. Check service records for tire replacements and brake pad maintenance. Be prepared to negotiate price due to the vehicle's high mileage and history of repeated failures. Verify that all MOT failures have been fully repaired, as some issues (e.g., wheel bearing play) could indicate deeper mechanical problems.
As a 2003 petrol model, the Yaris likely has a tax band of £140-£155 annually (pre-2017 rates). Fuel economy averages 50-60 mpg, making running costs moderate. Insurance groups for this era range from 10-15, with premiums likely £600-£800 annually. Maintenance costs could be higher due to age, with potential expenses for brake repairs, tire replacements, and electrical system fixes. Estimated annual running cost: £1,000-£1,300.
Focus on the parking brake mechanism, wheel bearings, and headlamp alignment, as these were repeatedly flagged in MOTs. Inspect tires for uneven wear and check brake pads for excessive wear. Test all lighting systems, including indicators, stop lamps, and position lamps. Examine the anti-roll bar mounting and ensure the windscreen washer system functions properly. A full brake system inspection is critical given the history of brake pad failures.
The 2003 Toyota Yaris has a history of recurring MOT failures, particularly around braking systems, lighting, and tire condition. While the most recent 2023 MOT passed with no defects, prior failures reveal ongoing maintenance concerns. At 149,196 miles, the vehicle exceeds typical mileage for its age, raising questions about long-term reliability.
No aggregate data available for the Toyota Yaris model, but this vehicle's history suggests potential reliability challenges common to older cars with high mileage.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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