2016 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · FD66 AAX

A pattern of recurring front suspension corrosion advisories, paired with a recent front suspension arm bush wear failure, defines the mechanical narrative of this 2016 Toyota Yaris. Across the three most recent testing cycles, both nearside and offside front suspension arms have been flagged for corrosion on two occasions and for worn pins or bushes on a third, suggesting that the front suspension geometry is beginning to deteriorate at a measurable rate. The subframe mounting area was additionally noted as corroded in 2025, which together with the arm corrosion indicates that chassis and suspension load-bearing components warrant close physical inspection rather than assumption of integrity. A failed wiper sweep in April 2026 contributed to a major defect outcome on that occasion, but the vehicle returned to a clean pass with no recorded defects on 23 July 2026, demonstrating that the immediate safety items have been rectified even if the underlying suspension wear pattern has not been resolved. Recorded mileage of 72,565 miles over approximately ten years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 7,250 miles, which sits within typical usage parameters for a vehicle of this age and segment. There are no substantial multi-year gaps in the testing record that would suggest prolonged standing, and the consistent annual rhythm implies the car has seen regular but modest use. For a Yaris of this mileage, the wear profile should be concentrated on consumable items and suspension joints rather than major powertrain components, and the MOT history broadly supports that expectation. The mileage is not high enough to imply imminent clutch, gearbox, or major engine concern purely on odometer grounds, though physical inspection of those areas remains prudent. A prospective purchaser should focus their pre-purchase inspection on the front suspension arms, their mounting bushes, and the front and rear subframe areas. Specifically, request that the vehicle be placed on a ramp to check for advanced corrosion, cracking, or distortion around the front suspension arm attachment points, paying close attention to whether the corrosion advisories have progressed beyond surface scaling into structural weakening. Manually check the suspension arm pins and bushes for play using a pry bar or by hand pressure, and listen for clonking or knocking from the front end when driving over uneven surfaces, speed humps, or during sharp low-speed turns, as these are typical symptoms of worn suspension bushes approaching the point of replacement. Verify that the rear subframe mounting prescribed area shows no further corrosion spread, and inspect for any fresh surface treatment that might be masking deeper rot. On the road, perform a thorough test drive including firm braking from moderate speed to confirm there is no pulling to either side, no pedal pulsation suggesting warped front discs, and no binding caliper symptoms such as uneven heat across the front wheels after driving. Listen for any new suspension noise that differs from typical road noise, particularly on poorly surfaced roads. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, perishing, and tread depth, noting that the nearside front and offside rear have been repeatedly flagged for tyre damage and may require replacement imminently. Finally, confirm that the windscreen wiper system now clears the screen effectively across the entire swept area, including the driver-side peripheral coverage, and that all registration plate lamps illuminate correctly, as both items featured in the recent failure history.