2014 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · FE64 TYK

A clean pass was recorded at the most recent DVSA examination on 18 August 2026, with no advisories or defects noted, continuing a generally favourable roadworthiness trend that has emerged since 2022. Across the six recorded tests since 2021, the vehicle has accumulated only three advisory notes and two failures, both of which were relatively minor in nature. The 2024 failure for dangerously worn front brake pads was the only item categorised as dangerous, while the 2025 failure was simply a non-functioning offside side repeater lamp, an easy rectification. Between these isolated events, the Yaris has returned clean passes in 2022, 2024, 2026, and the 2025 retest, suggesting that flagged issues have generally been addressed promptly and have not developed into broader mechanical concerns. The recent three-test window of clean passes does, on balance, point to a stable and improving roadworthiness profile, though the historical brake wear warrants ongoing attention. Recorded mileage of 78,104 miles across twelve years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 6,500 miles, which is broadly consistent with average usage for a small hatchback of this age. There are no notable gaps in the testing history, with annual examinations carried out consistently from 2021 through 2026, indicating continuous road use rather than extended periods off the road. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and proportionate to the annual intervals, with no recorded sharp jumps that might suggest clock irregularities or inconsistent use. Mechanically, this kind of mid-range annual mileage tends to result in moderate wear to consumables such as brake components, tyres, and suspension bushes, rather than the accelerated wear associated with high-mileage commercial use, while still requiring periodic replacement of age-sensitive items. Given the front brake pad advisory from 2023 followed by a dangerous brake pad failure just one year later, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the braking system during any inspection. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing from the front calipers, particularly under firm braking, and feel for any pulling to one side or judder through the brake pedal, which could indicate uneven pad wear, a binding caliper, or a warped disc. Inspect the visible pad material through the wheel spokes to confirm adequate thickness remaining on both inner and outer pads, and check the front discs for a pronounced lip on the outer edge, which would suggest they are approaching the wear limit. The nearside rear tyre advisory from 2021 should also be considered when assessing current tyre condition, as uneven or inner-edge wear can recur on the rear axle of a Yaris, particularly if the rear beam or suspension bushes have begun to deteriorate. Beyond the items specifically recorded in the MOT history, the test drive should focus on the typical weak points of a Yaris approaching its twelfth year. Listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which can point to worn lower arm bushes or anti-roll bar drop links, and feel for any vagueness or looseness in the steering, which may indicate worn tie rod ends or steering rack wear. Check the underside of the engine and around the rear wheel arches for any signs of corrosion, as the Yaris is generally resistant to structural rust but localised surface corrosion can appear around suspension mounting points. Confirm that all exterior lighting functions correctly, including the repeater lamp previously flagged, and verify that the engine starts promptly from cold with no warning lights remaining illuminated, as this would help confirm that no underlying electrical or emissions issues have developed since the last examination.