2002 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · LA51 OTR

The 2002 Toyota Yars presents a stable and largely positive roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT conducted on 6 March 2026 at 28,213 miles resulting in a pass. That test followed a same-day failure where the tester flagged contaminated brake fluid and misaligned windscreen washer jets, both rectified before the re-test. The pass confirms the vehicle met all safety and emissions standards at that point, and the maintenance trend over the last two years is stable rather than worsening or improving, with no recurring mechanical failures. The mileage pattern is notably low for a 24-year-old vehicle. Recorded at 27,094 miles in January 2024 and 27,445 miles in January 2025, the car accumulated just 351 miles over twelve months. By March 2026 the odometer read 28,213 miles, a further gain of only 768 miles in fourteen months. This equates to roughly 1,176 miles per year across the vehicle's life, indicating prolonged periods of very light use or standing. Such low annual mileage can preserve mechanical components but also raises the risk of deterioration from inactivity, including perished rubber, stale brake fluid, and corroded brake discs from surface standing. The March 2026 advisories warrant close attention. Both rear tyres were noted as slightly damaged, cracking or perishing, which on a vehicle covering so few miles points to age degradation rather than wear. A buyer should inspect all four tyres for sidewall condition and date codes, replacing any that are over six years old regardless of tread depth. Both front anti-roll bar linkage pins or bushes were flagged as worn but not resulting in excessive movement. This is a common advisory on older small hatchbacks and should be checked for play, as worn bushes affect steering precision and can cause knocks over uneven surfaces. The contaminated brake fluid recorded in the March 2026 failure is a significant finding. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time, reducing its boiling point and compromising braking performance. On a vehicle sitting for long intervals, fluid changes are easily overlooked. A buyer should verify whether the fluid has been flushed and replaced since the test, and inspect the brake system for corrosion on calipers, discs, and flexible hoses. The windscreen washer jets were also misaligned, a minor issue but one that suggests basic checks were neglected. Overall, the record reflects a mechanically sound car that has been lightly used but not always diligently maintained between long idle periods.