2007 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · FD07 VCW

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 2 June 2026, but the accompanying advisory and minor items indicate a car that is showing its age and warrants careful attention from a prospective buyer. The most recent test recorded a near side rear tyre with perishing and cracking, a minor exhaust gas leak, corroded rear suspension components, severely deteriorated off side front CV joint boot, and a general note of underbody corrosion. The simultaneous failure on the same date for an insufficient washer reservoir fluid level suggests minor but easily rectifiable items were addressed between tests. Looking at the broader pattern across 2024, 2025, and 2026, the trend is one of gradual deterioration rather than acute failure, with recurring advisories for suspension bushes, brake pipe corrosion, and exhaust mounting integrity pointing to a chassis and underbody that are progressively succumbing to age-related corrosion. There are no test failures related to fundamental structural integrity, braking performance, or major mechanical components, but the cumulative advisory count is climbing, which suggests a buyer should budget for ongoing preventative maintenance. With 90,720 miles recorded over a 19-year service life, this Yaris has covered an average of around 4,775 miles annually, which is notably low and consistent with either light regular use or extended periods of standing between journeys. The mileage progression between tests, from the 2024 entry through to the current certificate, suggests the car has been used steadily rather than accumulating large mileages in short bursts. Low annual mileage of this nature is generally favourable for major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission, and clutch, but it does mean greater susceptibility to age-related deterioration such as dried rubber seals, oxidised brake components, and standing corrosion, all of which are corroborated by the MOT advisories. The fact that the car was tested consecutively in May 2024, May 2025, and June 2026 implies it has been in active use and presented for inspection reliably, which is a positive indicator of conscientious ownership. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisories warrant a focused physical inspection and a discerning test drive. The noted wear to both near side and off side front suspension arm pins or bushes should be checked by rocking the front wheels laterally at rest to detect any excessive play, and listened for over undulating road surfaces where worn bushes typically produce clonking or knocking noises. The persistent brake pipe corrosion advisories, particularly at the nearside and central pipe, should be visually inspected for surface rust, pitting, or any signs of brake fluid weeping at joints, as corroded brake lines can ultimately require replacement and represent a safety-critical item. The front CV joint boot deterioration recorded as a minor defect on the most recent test should be examined for splits or grease loss, and a test drive should include full-lock cornering in both directions to listen for clicking or knocking that would indicate joint failure. The tyre perishing on the rear nearside should be checked across all four tyres for sidewall cracking typical of age rather than use, and a replacement set is likely advisable given the vehicle's vintage. Beyond the advisory-specific items, several age-appropriate checks should be undertaken before purchase. The general underbody corrosion noted on the latest test, combined with corroded rear suspension components and subframe mounting area advisories from earlier tests, suggests the underside should be examined on a ramp for any structural concerns, paying particular attention to suspension turrets, chassis rails, and brake line routing. The minor exhaust gas leak and previously broken central exhaust mounting bracket warrant a check with the engine running for any audible hissing or ticking from the exhaust system, and for excessive movement of the exhaust pipe. Given the low annual mileage, the 12 volt battery is likely to be approaching the end of its service life and should be load tested, while brake discs may exhibit corrosion ridges from prolonged standing, which can manifest as brake shudder or vibration under heavy pedal application. Cooling system fluid, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable should be verified for recent renewal by service records, as calendar-based degradation rather than mileage-based wear is the more relevant consideration on a vehicle of this age and usage profile.