2016 Toyota Yaris 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · HA11 EME

A front headlight dipswitch malfunction and persistent rear tyre deterioration define the mechanical story of this 2016 Toyota Yaris, which passed its most recent MOT on 11 February 2026 following a retest after a single-day failure. The underlying issue was a nearside front dipswitch that failed to operate immediately when switching between main and dipped beam, recorded as a Major defect on 10 February 2026. Beyond this electrical concern, the test history over the preceding two years reveals a pattern of tyre advisories: both rear tyres were flagged for perishing on the February 2026 test, the offside rear was noted as worn close to the legal limit in January 2024, and a nearside rear registration plate lamp was found inoperative in the same test. An oil leak, classed as not excessive, also appeared at the 2026 test, suggesting a minor but persistent engine or sump gasket seep that warrants monitoring. The overall trend is mixed rather than progressively worsening, with a clean pass in February 2025 between the flagged years, indicating that the defects are largely component-specific rather than systemic deterioration. With 173,263 miles accumulated over a ten-year life, the Yaris is running at approximately 17,326 miles annually, a notably high figure for its age and segment. This level of usage means greater wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, clutches, and tyres, alongside accelerated fatigue of suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain mounts. There are no unusual gaps in the annual MOT testing pattern, suggesting the vehicle has been in continuous service rather than left standing, which is generally favourable for avoiding issues such as seized brake calipers, flat-spotted tyres, or deteriorated rubber components. However, the mileage accumulation does place this car well beyond the threshold where items like timing chains, water pumps, and exhaust system components commonly require attention on Toyota's 1.0 and 1.33-litre engines, and any signs of timing chain rattle on cold start should be taken seriously. For a prospective buyer, the priorities during inspection should centre on the components historically recorded as defective. Begin with a stationary check of the headlight dipswitch mechanism, ensuring immediate operation when toggling between main and dipped beam, as the February 2026 failure indicates this switch can develop a delay or non-response. Inspect both rear tyres closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, and uneven wear, as this is the second consecutive test where tyre condition has been flagged, and consider replacement if any deterioration is visible. On the underside, examine the engine and sump area for oil residue consistent with the advisory leak, paying particular attention to the valve cover gasket, sump plug, and oil filter housing, and ask for evidence of the leak's source being identified. On the road, the test drive should focus on symptoms reflective of high-mileage wear. Listen for knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn lower arm bushes or anti-roll bar drop links, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel. Check for brake pedal judder or vibration under firm application, which on a high-mileage vehicle often points to worn front discs requiring machining or replacement. Verify that the engine starts cleanly from cold without extended cranking, listen for any timing chain rattle that disappears as oil pressure rises, and monitor the oil level over the test drive to gauge whether the recorded leak is worsening. Finally, confirm that the rear registration plate lamps illuminate correctly from both sides, as this minor defect has appeared in two of the last three tests.