2006 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · FE06 MFP

The most recent MOT, carried out on 29 December 2025, resulted in a failure with three dangerous tyre defects – off‑side front, off‑side rear and near‑side rear tyres each exhibiting a structural tear – and two major suspension findings where the outer mounting areas on both rear sides are excessively corroded, compromising structural strength. This represents a clear deterioration from the previous year’s pass with only advisory notes; the pattern over the last six years shows a progression from advisory corrosion and wear to outright dangerous failures, indicating that the vehicle’s maintenance condition is worsening rather than stabilising. With a recorded 98 023 miles on a 2006 model, the average annual mileage works out to roughly 4 900 mi per year, which is considerably below the typical UK usage of 10‑12 000 mi per annum. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of inactivity, which can accelerate ageing of rubber components, battery plates and corrosion of metal parts. Conversely, the recent tyre tears suggest that despite the modest mileage, the tyres have been subjected to uneven loading or have simply perished with age, a risk that is amplified when a car sits for extended periods without regular rotation or inflation checks. A prospective buyer should give immediate attention to the tyre condition – replace all four tyres without delay, as the structural tears render them unsafe and are likely to cause vibration, loss of grip or a sudden blow‑out under load. Inspect the wheel rims for cracks or bent edges that may have contributed to the tyre damage. The rear suspension mounting points flagged as excessively corroded must be examined for rust penetration into the sub‑frame or control arm brackets; any play, clunking, or uneven wheel alignment when cornering or over bumps would indicate that the mounting bolts or bushings are compromised and may require replacement of the affected sub‑frame sections or reinforcement plates. The corrosion advisories on the coil springs, shock absorbers and brake pipe also merit a thorough visual and tactile inspection – look for rust streaks, pitting or weakened spring legs, and test the brakes for spongy pedal feel, uneven braking or any leakage from the rear brake pipe, which could affect hydraulic performance. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, additional age‑related checks are prudent. Verify the 12 V battery’s cranking voltage and inspect for terminal corrosion, as long periods of standing can lead to sulphation and reduced capacity. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour, level and signs of water ingress; fluids older than three years should be flushed regardless of mileage. Look for signs of body and under‑carriage rust, especially around the front sub‑frame and wheel arches where previous advisories have been recorded, and confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and timing‑belt (or chain) maintenance appropriate to the model. A comprehensive mechanical inspection by a qualified technician before purchase is strongly advised to address the identified corrosion, replace the unsafe tyres and confirm that the braking and suspension systems are structurally sound.