2007 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · FL07 VOM

A clear theme across the MOT record is recurring component deterioration rather than a clean bill of health – repeated failures for headlamp lenses, missing wheel fixings and severe CV boot decay have been punctuated by advisory notes on rear coil‑spring corrosion, tyre sidewall cracking, brake‑pipe rust and an exhaust leak. The latest test in May 2025 was a pass, but it still listed an oil leak, a badly worn off‑side front drive‑shaft CV boot and the same rear tyre and coil‑spring concerns that have persisted for several years, indicating that the underlying issues have not been fully resolved. At 181,099 miles the car averages roughly 9,500 miles per year, a usage rate that sits comfortably within normal expectations for a 2007 model. Annual MOTs have been recorded without long gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been driven consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods. That mileage level means consumables such as suspension bushings, brake pads, tyres and drivetrain joints are likely approaching the end of their service life and will need close inspection or proactive replacement. The off‑side front drive‑shaft CV boot, flagged as “severely deteriorated” in both 2024 and 2025, is a priority check – look for grease splatter around the joint, audible clicking or clunking over bumps, and any loss of power to the front wheels. The rear coil springs, noted as corroded on both sides for three consecutive years, can lead to reduced ride quality and potential failure of the rear suspension; feel for uneven bounce, excessive sag or knocking when the rear is compressed. The tyre sidewalls, repeatedly described as “slightly damaged/cracking”, should be examined for dry rot, bulges or tread separation, and a test‑drive should include a careful inspection of handling and any vibration at higher speeds. Brake‑disc wear, brake‑pipe corrosion and the historic exhaust leak all point to the need for a thorough brake system audit – check for pedal pulsation, reduced braking efficiency, any rusted pipe sections, and listen for hissing or excessive exhaust noise, especially under acceleration. Finally, the headlamp lens defects and missing wheel fixings that caused outright failures in 2024 and 2025 must be verified as corrected; ensure the lenses are intact, the mounts secure and that all wheel‑nut locations are present and correctly torqued. While the MOT history shows the vehicle can be kept roadworthy, the persistence of these specific defects means a prospective buyer should budget for immediate remedial work on the CV boot, rear suspension corrosion, brake system components and any lingering lighting or wheel‑fixing issues before relying on the car for regular use.