2003 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · FH53 FAF

The Toyota Yaris in question presents a mixed but concerning maintenance history, with the most recent MOT—conducted just eight months ago on 17 November 2025—showing no defects at all. This clean result contrasts sharply with the preceding 12 months, during which the vehicle failed twice in rapid succession (20 November and 29 November 2024) due to critical suspension and safety-related issues. The coil springs were flagged as corroded in both failures, alongside serious front shock absorber leaks and a supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault. While the November 2025 test suggests these issues were resolved, the repeated failures in late 2024 indicate either deferred repairs or intermittent attention to structural components. The registration plate deterioration, though minor, appears to have been addressed since it was not repeated in the latest test. The mileage accumulation of roughly 4,800 miles per year over 23 years is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. Between November 2023 and November 2024, the odometer advanced by just 4,017 miles (from 103,290 to 107,307), a pace that would typically reduce wear on consumables like tyres and brakes. However, the rapid succession of failures in late 2024—spanning just 9 days between tests—implies that the vehicle was likely driven intermittently but pushed into service despite known defects. The lack of mileage buildup between 2023 and 2024 also raises questions about whether the car was stored or only used sporadically, potentially masking underlying issues until forced into testing. For a prospective buyer, the most urgent areas to inspect are the rear coil springs, which were repeatedly flagged for corrosion in 2024. Even if the November 2025 MOT passed without mention of them, corrosion in suspension components can compromise structural integrity over time. The front shock absorbers also warrant immediate scrutiny, given the serious fluid leaks recorded in November 2024—this indicates potential internal damage that could lead to premature failure. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault suggests either a faulty seatbelt tensioner or airbag sensor, both of which should be diagnosed professionally. Additionally, the anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush, though noted as not excessively worn, should be checked for play or corrosion, as this can affect handling and alignment. Finally, while the registration plates were only advisory, their deterioration hints at possible neglect in basic maintenance, so a thorough check of other non-structural components—such as wiper blades, lights, and fluid levels—is advisable.