2002 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · GV52 EGY

Tyre tread depth has emerged as the most pressing safety issue on this 2002 Toyota Yaris, with the 2025 MOT recording dangerous front‑tyre tread levels that caused a failure, echoing earlier advisories on front‑tyre wear in 2020. The vehicle also carries a history of anti‑roll bar bush wear noted in 2023 and a rear service‑brake binding advisory from 2022, while seat‑belt and position‑lamp failures that led to a 2022 failure have since been cleared, allowing the most recent test to pass despite the tyre deficiency. At 169,215 mi the Yaris averages roughly 7,000 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal expectations for a vehicle of its age. MOTs have been recorded annually with no significant gaps, indicating the car has been kept on the road consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods, which helps to avoid the accelerated deterioration associated with long-term storage. Prospective buyers should begin by inspecting the front tyres for tread depth, uniform wear and any sidewall damage; any tread below 1.6 mm must be replaced before a further MOT. The anti‑roll bar pins or bushes flagged in 2023 should be examined for looseness or excessive play – a clunk over bumps or noticeable body roll when cornering would confirm the need for replacement. The rear service‑brake binding advisory suggests the rear caliper or hose may be sticking; a test‑drive should reveal any pedal pull, uneven braking force or a spongy pedal feel, and a visual check of the brake lines for corrosion or leaks is advisable. Finally, verify that both front seat‑belts latch and retract correctly and that the front position lamp and rear registration‑plate lamp illuminate fully, as these were previously recorded as major failures. The recurring minor windscreen damage, while not currently a safety‑critical defect, should be assessed for cracks that could propagate. Addressing the tyre, suspension‑bush, brake and lighting items now will reduce the risk of another MOT failure and provide a clearer picture of the car’s overall roadworthiness.