2002 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · FL02 NEY

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a trend of worsening structural and mechanical degradation. In the most recent test in March 2026 at 134,088 miles, the car passed only after rectifying a detached rear exhaust silencer and replacing a perished offside front tyre. While the immediate safety failures were addressed, the recurring presence of structural corrosion and previous repairs indicates that the vehicle is reaching a stage where material integrity is being compromised by age-related decay. At 24 years old, the recorded mileage of 134,088 miles represents a low average of approximately 5,587 miles per year. This low usage suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to high-distance wear, which explains the significant corrosion noted on the underbody. Between March 2024 and March 2025, the car covered only 2,058 miles, yet it failed the test due to structural issues and brake defects, indicating that time and exposure are the primary drivers of deterioration rather than mechanical mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underbody to assess the structural integrity. The 2025 test flagged excessive corrosion on the rear suspension mounting areas and both inner and outer sills which significantly reduced structural strength, while the 2026 test noted corrosion on the rear sub-frame. Although these were not yet failure points, the presence of previous repairs to the nearside and offside rear integral structures suggests the chassis has suffered significant past damage. The braking and suspension systems also require close attention. The 2025 record highlighted pitted front brake discs, corroded brake pipes, and a parking brake with insufficient reserve travel. Given the recurring reports of worn suspension arm pins and bushes, a buyer should verify that the current components are not on the point of failing and that the corrosion on the brake lines is not merely masked by grease, as noted in the previous failure.