2003 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · EG03 ABF

The most recent MOT, dated 1 March 2025, resulted in a failure principally because the windscreen washer system was inoperative, with additional advisories concerning the near‑side front tyre edging close to the legal limit, deteriorated rear axle bushes and mild corrosion of under‑body and suspension elements. Compared with the earlier record, the vehicle has moved from a series of passes with only advisory notes (2022‑2023) to a repeat failure in 2025, indicating a gradual decline rather than an improvement in its maintenance condition, especially in the areas of tyre wear, bushings and basic fluid‑system functionality. At 124,110 miles on a 2003 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 5,400 mi, which is well below the typical UK usage of 7‑10 k mi per year. This low figure suggests the car has spent considerable periods standing or being driven lightly, which can be as detrimental as high mileage in terms of component ageing. Prolonged inactivity tends to accelerate rubber hardening, battery sulphation and corrosion of suspension joints, while also allowing rust to develop in hidden chassis areas. Conversely, the modest mileage means that high‑stress wear items such as the engine, transmission and major drivetrain components are unlikely to have suffered the cumulative fatigue seen on heavily used cars. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front tyre that is already near the legal tread limit; inspect the tread depth across the width, look for uneven wear that could signal mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes, and feel for any vibration or shudder when the car is driven at moderate speed. The rear axle bushes flagged in both 2023 and 2025 advisories are likely to be soft or cracked; a test‑drive should reveal any clunking or looseness when braking or cornering, and a visual inspection under the rear sub‑frame should confirm whether the rubber is deteriorating or if corrosion has begun to bite into the mounting points. The wheel‑bearing noise recorded in 2022 warrants a thorough spin of each rear wheel with the car lifted – any roughness, grinding or play indicates that the bearing may need replacement soon, which is a costly repair on a vehicle of this age. Given the car’s age and the periods it may have spent idle, the buyer should also check for age‑related tyre sidewall cracking, especially on the spare if fitted, and verify that the 12‑volt battery holds a stable voltage after a short load test. Examine the under‑body for any flaking rust, particularly around the rear axle housings and suspension brackets, and ensure that the windscreen washer system is repaired and that the washer fluid reservoir and pump are free of leaks. Finally, confirm that the registration plates are securely fixed and legible, and that the anti‑roll bar linkage bush, noted as worn in 2023, does not exhibit excessive play; a firm, quiet response when the car is steered through a series of gentle bends will indicate that the bush is still functional. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of any imminent maintenance and help the buyer decide whether the Yaris remains a reliable, road‑worthy purchase.