2002 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · FN02 XMS

A clean and uninterrupted pass record across the most recent MOT tests gives this 24-year-old Toyota Yaris a reassuringly stable mechanical narrative. The vehicle passed both the February 2025 and February 2026 tests with no advisories or defects recorded, and the single failure logged in February 2025 was rectified within six days before a clean pass was issued on the subsequent attempt. With no advisories of any kind appearing across the available history, there is no documented pattern of emerging corrosion, worn suspension components, brake deterioration, or exhaust issues for the buyer to be on guard against. The consistency of these results suggests the car has remained roadworthy under standard inspection criteria over the testing window, and the most recent pass on 17 February 2026 reinforces this established trend of compliance. Against a recorded 166,774 miles spread over 24 years, the vehicle averages around 6,949 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this age and likely reflects a balance of urban commuting and longer journeys. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record, and no evidence in the data of prolonged off-road periods or sudden jumps in mileage between tests that might indicate inconsistent use or clock irregularities. This steady accumulation of miles on a small, mechanically straightforward Yaris powertrain suggests that components such as the engine, manual or automatic transmission, and clutch should be in a worn but serviceable state rather than approaching end-of-life fatigue, provided routine servicing has been maintained outside of the MOT inspection cycle. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means particular attention should be paid during a physical inspection and test drive to the areas most likely to show wear on a high-mileage but well-used Yaris of this generation. On a road test, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as the front anti-roll bar bushes, lower suspension arms, and strut top mounts are common wear items on cars of this age and mileage even when not flagged at test. Steering should feel precise without excessive play or pulling to one side under braking, and the brake pedal should feel firm without sponginess or judder under heavier application, which would point to worn discs or binding calipers. Also worth scrutinising is the underside of the vehicle for any emerging corrosion on the suspension subframes, brake pipes, and rear axle components, as these areas tend to deteriorate progressively on older vehicles between MOT inspections. Check that all exterior lights, the horn, and the washers function correctly, and inspect the tyres for even wear across the tread, as uneven patterns may suggest alignment or suspension issues not yet severe enough to fail but indicative of gradual component wear. Inside the cabin, ensure the engine starts readily from cold, idles smoothly without misfires or excessive smoke from the exhaust, and that the cooling fan operates as expected. Given the mileage, it is sensible to budget for the replacement of age-related service items such as the timing chain, water pump, and engine mounts, but the overall absence of advisories and the consistent pass record suggest this Yaris remains a mechanically sound candidate for continued use.