2002 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · FG52 LBN

The 2002 Toyota Yaris exhibits a highly stable mechanical trend, though its most recent MOT test on 15 February 2025 at 107,528 miles is now over seventeen months old, meaning the vehicle is currently operating without a valid certificate. The absence of any recorded defects in that latest test indicates the vehicle met all required roadworthiness standards at the time of inspection. Looking back, the maintenance trajectory remains consistently positive, with the sole anomaly occurring on 11 February 2022 at 77,185 miles, where a failure was recorded despite the documentation listing no specific defects, likely representing an administrative retest or an unrecorded minor rectification on the same day before the subsequent pass. The mileage accumulation aligns with exceptionally light use for a vehicle of this vintage. Between January 2023 at 88,514 miles and February 2024 at 99,779 miles, the Yaris covered 11,265 miles over thirteen months, indicating a period of slightly more regular use. However, the subsequent twelve months up to the February 2025 test saw a drastic reduction, adding only 7,749 miles. This recent drop in annual mileage suggests the vehicle may have spent extended periods stationary, a condition that can cause its own mechanical issues such as perished rubber suspension bushes, seized brake calipers, and degraded tyres despite the low overall odometer reading. Given the lack of recurring mechanical advisories in the official record, a buyer must rely on a thorough physical inspection to verify the structural integrity of this ageing chassis. A 24-year-old Yaris requires close scrutiny of the sills, floor pan, and subframes for corrosion, as salt exposure over two decades often compromises structural components before it becomes visible on the surface. Inspect the condition of the suspension bushes and coil springs, which perish with age and lack of use rather than mileage alone. Check the brake discs and calipers for surface rust and binding, a common issue when vehicles stand idle. Verify the condition of the exhaust system for corrosion and ensure the tyres display no sidewall cracking from prolonged stationary periods.