2023 Toyota Yaris Design HEV CVT 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · FG73 PFF

A 2023 Toyota Yaris Design HEV CVT with only a single MOT cycle on file, and that cycle is unusual: the vehicle was presented on 28 July 2026 and immediately failed with two Dangerous defects relating to the rear tyres having plies or cords exposed, alongside Major defects for both windscreen wipers failing to clear the screen effectively. The following day, 29 July 2026, the same vehicle was re-presented and passed with no defects recorded, indicating that the failed items were addressed rather than being symptomatic of deeper mechanical concerns. While the current roadworthy status is therefore clean, the presence of cords-exposed tyres is a particularly serious finding that warrants closer inspection of the remaining tyre set, as a single bald tyre on a rear axle is uncommon and may indicate uneven wear pattern, prolonged under-inflation, or simply one tyre being significantly older than the others fitted at the same time. The recorded mileage of 11,402 miles over a three-year registration period works out at roughly 3,800 miles per year, which is well below average for a vehicle of this age and type. This low annual accumulation can mean lighter wear on typical high-mileage consumables such as brake discs, pads, and clutch friction material, but it can equally indicate extended periods of standing rather than regular use. For a hybrid powertrain such as the Yaris HEV, irregular use combined with short journeys can mask developing issues with the high-voltage battery cooling system, 12V auxiliary battery health, and brake actuation, as the regenerative braking system means the friction brakes may see very little use and are prone to corrosion of the discs through lack of activity. Given that the only previous MOT recorded flagged the rear tyres as dangerous, a prospective buyer should physically inspect all four tyres and confirm they are of matching age, manufacturer, and tread depth, paying particular attention to any uneven shoulder wear or cracking in the sidewalls that might indicate the remaining tyres have been in service for longer than the odometer suggests. On a test drive, listen carefully for any vibration through the steering wheel or chassis that could point to wheel balance issues or a deformed tyre, and check that the rear brake discs rotate freely without binding when the vehicle is stationary, as low-mileage hybrids are particularly prone to rear brake seizure due to infrequent application. The windscreen wiper failures on both sides are less concerning in isolation, but a buyer should still operate the wipers across all speed settings and confirm full screen coverage and that no streaking or skipping occurs. Beyond the items flagged, the low mileage and hybrid specification warrant attention to components that suffer disproportionately from standing. Check that the engine starts cleanly from cold without excessive cranking, which could indicate 12V battery deterioration, and confirm that the hybrid system transitions smoothly between electric and petrol drive without warning lights or system messages on the dashboard. On the move, the CVT transmission should be evaluated for any shunts, judder, or unusual whine during gentle acceleration, and the suspension should be assessed over uneven surfaces for knocking from the front MacPherson strut top mounts and rear torsion beam bushes, both known wear items on the Yaris platform. Finally, inspect the underside and wheel arches for any corrosion, particularly around the suspension linkages and brake pipe runs, as even a three-year-old vehicle stored outdoors or driven on winter-treated roads can begin to show surface oxidation in vulnerable areas.