2004 Toyota Yaris 1.4L Diesel · FA54 VCE

The most recent MOT test recorded for this 2004 Toyota Yaris took place on 27 October 2025 and the vehicle passed, however it did so only after being presented for test on the same day with multiple major defects identified at the initial assessment, including serious structural failures at the rear seat belt anchorage points affecting both inner and outer sills on both sides, plus the wheel arch area. This is not a stable maintenance pattern. Across the recorded history the vehicle has shown a recurring and escalating theme of structural corrosion at the rear suspension and seat belt anchorage areas, with progressively more areas failing at each test from October 2023 onwards. The advisory concerning offside rear tyre wear close to the legal limit was also present at both the failure and the subsequent pass, which suggests the advisory was either addressed or the test outcome masked the underlying condition. The trend is clearly worsening, and any prospective buyer should treat the structural advisories and majors with the utmost seriousness, as corrosion in these prescribed zones is the kind of failure that can render a vehicle beyond economical repair if it progresses further. In terms of recorded mileage, this Yaris has accumulated 204,382 miles over approximately 22 years, equating to an average annual usage of around 9,290 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. There is no evidence in the MOT record of extended standing periods with low accumulated mileage, and the mileage progression between tests appears consistent. From a mechanical standpoint, this mileage level on a Toyota Yaris of this era is high but not unusual, and the small petrol engines and manual transmissions fitted to these cars are generally known for their longevity. However, at this odometer reading one must assume significant wear on high-mileage consumables including clutches, dual mass flywheels where applicable, engine mounts, and timing chain components, particularly as the 1.0 and 1.3 petrol units fitted to the 2004 Yaris can suffer from stretched timing chains and oil consumption issues beyond 150,000 miles. Given the recurring structural corrosion defects across the rear inner and outer sills, suspension mounting areas, and seat belt anchorage points, a thorough physical inspection is essential. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocking from the rear, particularly over uneven surfaces or speed humps, and feel for vagueness or instability in the rear end under cornering and braking. Examine all visible inner and outer sill sections, the rear wheel arches, and the floor pans for advanced rust, paying particular attention to bubbling under the paint, perforation, or previous poorly executed weld repairs. The nearside front brake hose was previously recorded as excessively deteriorated, so inspect both front brake hoses for cracking, bulging, or weeping, and check that the brake pedal feels firm with no sponginess. The offside front anti-roll bar linkage bush wear noted in 2022 should have been addressed but check for any renewed clunking from the front suspension on test, and inspect the anti-roll bar drop links and bushes visually for perished rubber or movement. The 2024 registration plate lamp failure is a minor electrical issue but worth verifying that all exterior lamps function correctly, and consider that on a 22-year-old vehicle general wiring integrity and earth connections may be compromised. Beyond the recorded issues, age-appropriate checks remain critical. The tyres should be examined not only for tread depth but for sidewall cracking and perishing, which is common on older tyres regardless of remaining tread, and the offside rear tyre advisory from the latest test suggests uneven wear which warrants a check of the rear wheel alignment and suspension geometry. The 12V battery is likely original or a replacement of unknown age and should be load-tested, as a failing battery can cause MOT-class electrical issues and leave the vehicle stranded. Brake discs on a high-mileage standing Yaris may exhibit corrosion on the outer edges and lipping, and the calipers may be binding; ensure the car rolls freely when released and that there is no pulling to one side under braking. Finally, given that the mileage is high and the vehicle is 22 years old, verify the service history stamps and ensure that time-based fluid services have been performed, particularly the engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable, as degradation of these fluids through age rather than mileage can lead to internal corrosion of the cooling system and brake system failure. A pre-purchase inspection by a competent mechanic with the vehicle raised on a ramp is strongly advised given the structural corrosion history.