2012 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · HG62 LDD

The Toyota Yaris in question has maintained a clean MOT record in its most recent test, passing without defects at 64,887 miles in October 2025—just nine months ago. This suggests the vehicle has been well cared for in the short term, with no critical failures or advisories requiring immediate attention. However, the history does reveal a pattern of minor but recurring issues that, while not safety-critical, indicate inconsistent maintenance priorities. Tyre wear has been a persistent problem, with both rear tyres flagged as close to the legal limit in November 2024, while brake pads were noted as "wearing thin" a year earlier. These are consumable items that should have been addressed proactively, suggesting the previous owner either delayed routine checks or failed to replace them at the recommended intervals. The Yaris’s mileage accumulation is unusually low for its age, averaging just over 4,600 miles per year since 2012. This could imply light use, extended periods of inactivity, or a combination of both. The most recent 8,428-mile jump between November 2024 and October 2025 is the largest in the record, yet even this is modest compared to many similarly aged vehicles. The sparse defect history—with only three out of five tests showing advisories—further supports the idea that the car has not been pushed hard, though the lack of mileage may also mask underlying wear in components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or exhaust mounts, which often degrade slowly over time regardless of distance covered. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing areas to inspect in person would be the braking system and tyre condition. The 2023 MOT advisory on thin front brake pads should prompt a check of pad thickness, disc wear, and caliper operation, as binding or uneven braking could develop if pads were left too long. The 2024 tyre advisories—particularly the edge wear—hint at potential alignment issues or underinflation, which may have contributed to uneven tread degradation. Beyond these, a thorough examination of the suspension components (ball joints, track rods, and bushes) is advisable, as low-mileage vehicles can still suffer from age-related fatigue. Structural corrosion, especially around wheel arches and sills, should also be scrutinised, given the car’s age and the possibility of moisture exposure during periods of inactivity.