2017 Toyota Yaris 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · LC67 FTP

The 2017 Toyota Yaris presented a current MOT pass certificate dated 12 May 2026, continuing an unbroken run of pass results stretching back through every recorded test since 2020. The recent maintenance trend appears broadly stable, with a clean record throughout 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and no advisories recorded in those years. However, the 2025 test introduced a small cluster of advisories covering nearside front tyre wear and a light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber, with the latter persisting into the 2026 test. The recurrence of the shock absorber advisory over two consecutive tests suggests a developing wear issue rather than a one-off observation, and this should be regarded as the most mechanically significant point in the history. The tyre advisory, conversely, was addressed between 2025 and 2026, indicating that aspect of the vehicle has been actively maintained. With a recorded mileage of 19,639 miles over approximately nine years, this Yaris has covered an average of around 2,180 miles annually, which is well below the typical usage rate for a vehicle of this age and likely indicative of either short urban journeys, light private use, or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage carries its own mechanical considerations distinct from those of high-mileage cars, as many components degrade with calendar age and inactivity rather than through mechanical wear. Brake discs and calipers are particularly susceptible to corrosion and seizing when a vehicle is infrequently used, while coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil lose their protective properties over time regardless of how few miles have been covered. The tyres fitted should also be examined for age-related perishing and sidewall cracking, even if the tread depth remains adequate, as rubber compounds deteriorate from approximately five years of age onwards. Given the recurring advisory on the nearside front shock absorber, particular attention should be paid to the suspension during a physical inspection and test drive. Listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, and observe whether the vehicle sits level at the front. A seep visible on the shock body is acceptable provided damping performance remains unaffected, but worsening misting or any visible drip indicates replacement is due imminently. During a test drive, pay attention to ride quality and stability under braking and cornering, as a fatigued damper will allow the nearside front to bottom out more readily and may produce vague steering response. It is also worth inspecting the front suspension bushes, top mounts, and coil spring for any perishing or corrosion, as a nine-year-old vehicle with low mileage may still develop age-related deterioration in these components. Beyond the suspension concern, a prospective buyer should perform a thorough age-related inspection. Check the 12-volt battery for its manufacturing date stamp, as a battery of this age is likely approaching the end of its service life and could fail without warning. Verify that the service book contains regular stamps at appropriate intervals, and request evidence that the brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil have been replaced in line with time-based schedules rather than purely mileage-based ones, as low annual usage can leave fluids operating well beyond their intended service intervals. Inspect the underside, wheel arches, and subframes for any signs of standing corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and exhaust hangers. Finally, examine all four tyres for their production date codes stamped on the sidewall, as replacement rubber may be required regardless of remaining tread, and confirm the spare wheel and tool kit are present and serviceable.