2016 Toyota Yaris 1.5L Hybrid electric · FD16 TFF

A consistent pattern of front-end tyre wear and a minor cosmetic deformity on the nearside front slam panel define the mechanical character of this 2016 Toyota Yaris. The most recent MOT on 8 July 2026 recorded a clean pass with no advisories, indicating that the immediate roadworthiness concerns have been resolved ahead of sale. However, the historical record reveals a recurring issue: both front tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge in 2023 and again in 2024, and on 27 May 2025 the nearside front tyre was actually failing because it was fouling the arch liner on full lock. This points to either persistent misalignment of the front wheels, worn suspension components allowing excessive camber, or simply the geometry of the wheelarch itself being compromised by the deformed slam panel. The slam panel damage and the tyre fouling failure are mechanically linked and warrant close attention during any physical inspection. With only 19,230 miles recorded across approximately ten years, this Yaris has averaged around 1,900 miles per year, which is exceptionally low and strongly suggests prolonged periods of standing rather than regular use. Such light accumulation typically preserves the engine internals and major drivetrain components but accelerates deterioration of items that suffer from inactivity. Rubber components such as tyres, suspension bushes, ball joint gaiters, and brake caliper seals harden and crack without regular thermal cycling, while brake discs can develop sharp lips and surface corrosion that leads to judder on the first few applications. There are no obvious gaps between annual test dates to suggest a long statutory off-road period, so the mileage appears to have accrued steadily but sparsely throughout the vehicle's life. Given the recurring front-tyre wear pattern and the recorded slam panel deformity, a prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension geometry and wheelarch clearance. With the wheels at full lock in both directions, verify that the nearside front tyre does not contact or rub the arch liner, as this was an active failure point in 2025. Examine both front tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which would confirm the camber or tracking issue, and inspect the visible suspension arms, bushes, and drop links for perishing or cracking consistent with age rather than mileage. Check that the slam panel itself shows no progressive distortion that might have migrated towards the suspension turret, as corrosion spreading from a damaged panel can compromise structural integrity over time. On a test drive, the most informative symptoms will manifest through the steering and braking systems. Any pulling to one side under braking, a clonking noise from the front when traversing speed bumps, or vagueness in the steering on centre would suggest worn wishbone bushes or ball joints exacerbated by the light-use pattern. Brake pedal feel should be firm from the first application, as seized caliper sliders or corroded discs from prolonged standing often produce a judder or require several pumps before the system feels normal. Finally, confirm that the tracking has been professionally checked and corrected, since the two-year recurrence of front-tyre edge wear strongly indicates an unresolved geometry or alignment issue that will continue to consume tyres until properly rectified.