2003 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · EO03 VCW
2003 Toyota Yaris (1.0L, petrol). First registered 10 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 96,027 miles. MOT expired on 12 Apr 2023. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA YARIS
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 12 Apr 2023
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (31 Mar 2023)
- Recorded Mileage
- 96,027 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
EO03 VCW Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT failed on 28/03/2023
- 96,027 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 10 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EO03 VCW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Toyota Yaris (EO03 VCW) between April 2022 and March 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 28 March 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 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: “Sub-frame pin or bush excessively worn both rear (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a bod”; “Nearside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a bo”.
EO03 VCW Mileage History
- 14/04/202294,397 mi
- 28/03/202396,027 mi+1,630 mi
Average of roughly 1,709 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution and proceed wit
If you are considering this vehicle, a professional structural inspection is non-negotiable. The 2023 MOT failure specifically cited excessive corrosion to the vehicle structure/chassis within 30cm of a body mounting, which is a critical safety defect. You must verify if any structural welding or repairs were carried out to rectify these specific points before purchase.
Negotiate heavily based on the cost of potential chassis repairs and suspension replacement. Ask for documented proof of any work done to address the corroded MacPherson struts and the sub-frame pin/bush wear noted in the 2023 record. Do not rely on a recent MOT pass alone without seeing the specific repair invoices related to the previous structural failures.
The 998cc engine suggests low fuel consumption and a likely low insurance group, making it theoretically inexpensive to run. However, the high mileage relative to the model average means maintenance costs may be higher than expected for a car of this age.
Expect typical maintenance costs for a small petrol car, but be prepared for unexpected expenses related to the suspension and chassis. The estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, and maintenance, is approximately £1,100-£1,400, though this could rise significantly if structural repairs are required.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the underside of the car. The 2023 MOT history explicitly mentions heavy corrosion on both front MacPherson struts and the near-side and off-side rear vehicle structures. You must check if this corrosion is ongoing or if it has been treated.
Additionally, inspect the rear sub-frame and suspension components. The 2023 record noted excessively worn sub-frame pins/bushes and binding brakes on both the nearside and offside rear. Check for any signs of recent brake work or suspension replacement to ensure the issues noted in the 2023 failure have been properly addressed.
This 2003 Toyota Yaris (EO03VCW) presents a high-risk profile due to significant structural and suspension failures. While the 998cc petrol engine is generally efficient, the 2023 MOT failure revealed heavy corrosion to the chassis and MacPherson struts. With 96,027 miles recorded in its last test, the vehicle has been driven significantly more than the model average of 5,594 miles per year.
The Toyota Yaris has a high aggregate MOT pass rate of 79.9% across 470,762 analysed vehicles, though this specific unit shows severe structural issues.
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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