2007 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · LL07 APZ

The most recent MOT, dated 4 August 2026, recorded a failure for the off‑side front position lamp, while the remainder of the test passed with a series of advisories covering cloudy headlamp lenses, corroded rear coil springs, slight rear‑tyre cracking or perishing and thin off‑side front brake pads. Over the last four years the vehicle has moved from several major failures – notably an exhaust leak, ineffective windscreen wipers and severely damaged headlamp lenses in 2025 – to a situation where only a single lighting fault caused a fail and the other items are now advisory. This suggests a modest improvement in overall maintenance, though the persistence of recurring wear items indicates that the car is still being run on the edge of its service limits. At 123,762 mi the Yaris has logged roughly 6,500 mi per annum across its 19‑year life, a usage pattern that is neither unusually low nor excessively high. The mileage figure points to a vehicle that has likely spent periods of relatively light duty interspersed with regular daily driving, rather than a high‑stress, high‑kilometre life. Consequently, the wear observed on suspension components, tyres and brake pads is more likely to be a function of age and calendar‑based degradation than of extreme mileage accumulation. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the lighting system, confirming that all position, stop and registration lamps operate correctly and that the headlamp lenses are clear; cloudy lenses can reduce illumination and may be symptomatic of moisture ingress. The rear coil springs, flagged as corroded, should be inspected for rust on the spring coils and any loss of structural integrity – any clunking or excessive bounce on a road test could indicate a weakened spring. The rear tyres, described as slightly damaged or perishing, should be examined for sidewall cracks, dry rot and tread depth, especially since the vehicle’s age makes rubber degradation a real concern even on relatively low‑mileage tyres. The thin off‑side front brake pad will soon require replacement; listen for any squeal or shudder under braking and verify that the brake discs are free from scoring or excessive rust. The brake hoses, noted with slight ferrule corrosion, should be checked for signs of cracking or fluid leakage, and the rear brake pipe that was previously corroded should be examined for any rust or grease build‑up that could affect braking performance. Beyond the specific MOT items, the buyer should perform a comprehensive age‑related inspection: confirm that the 12 V battery holds charge and does not show excessive sulfation, verify that engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals (fluids can deteriorate with time even if the car sits idle), and look for any signs of rust on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body, particularly around the suspension mounting points. A full service history, especially evidence of recent suspension, brake and tyre work, will provide confidence that the vehicle’s wear items are being managed and that the car remains structurally sound for continued road use.