2002 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · GU02 RYT

A 24-year-old Toyota Yaris with a recorded MOT history spanning 2021 through early 2026 shows a broadly stable roadworthiness record, though it is not without mechanical concerns that any prospective buyer should weigh carefully. Across seven tests, the vehicle passed on five occasions, with two recorded failures: a 2026 dangerous tyre depth failure on the offside front, and an earlier 2022 major failure for an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management MIL lamp. The most recent assessment on 3 March 2026 returned a pass, but was accompanied by a brake binding advisory that had also been noted the day before on the failed test, suggesting this is a persistent issue rather than a one-off. The overall pattern is of a car that remains compliant at test time, but with a small cluster of recurring advisories around tyre wear and rear suspension component corrosion that warrant physical inspection. Mileage records place this vehicle at 164,975 miles, equating to roughly 6,874 miles annually over its 24-year life, which sits within typical parameters for a car of this age. The annual test entries, however, do not include individual odometer readings in the provided data, so it is not possible to identify any abnormal mileage jumps or extended periods off the road from the MOT history alone. Mechanical implications of this mileage bracket are clear: higher-mileage vehicles of this age typically present with wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, exhaust mounting points, engine oil leaks, and general underbody corrosion. The fact that inner sill corrosion on both sides of the rear suspension mounting areas was already being flagged in 2023 indicates that structural preservation will be a key area to examine in person, as corrosion tends to progress once initiated. The 2023 advisories specifically referenced prescribed area corrosion on both the nearside and offside rear suspension component mountings, affecting the inner sills. Buyers should physically inspect these areas for advanced rust, paying particular attention to flaking, paint bubbling, or any evidence of previous welding repairs near the rear suspension turrets. On a test drive, listen for clonks, knocks, or excessive vertical movement from the rear suspension when traversing speed bumps or undulating surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear which can indicate geometry issues caused by weakened mounting points. Any rear brake binding noted on the nearside in 2026 also warrants a stationary test with the wheels warm: confirm the wheel rotates freely without dragging, as a sticking rear caliper or wheel cylinder can cause pulling under braking and uneven pad wear. The 2022 MIL lamp failure means the diagnostic system should be interrogated with a current OBD reader prior to purchase, even though the vehicle subsequently passed, as intermittent emissions or sensor faults may return without warning. The tyre wear pattern is another immediate concern. The 2026 dangerous failure for sub-legal tread on the offside front, combined with nearside front and rear edge-wear advisories across different test cycles, suggests the vehicle may have an alignment or tracking issue, or that the suspension is no longer holding correct geometry. An on-road assessment should include checking for steering pull to one side and any vibration through the steering wheel, while a rolling road alignment check would confirm whether the camber or toe settings have drifted due to worn components. Given the inner sill corrosion advisories already recorded, it would be prudent to place the vehicle on a ramp and thoroughly examine the entire underbody, including brake lines, fuel lines, and the exhaust system, as these areas commonly deteriorate in tandem on older vehicles and are not always visible from the MOT test data alone.