2004 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · LM04 AFK

The most recent DVSA MOT, carried out on 17 October 2025, resulted in a failure. The failure was recorded for a missing off‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage ball‑joint dust cover, which is a major safety item, while the test also retained the advisory concerning the deteriorated front registration plate. Over the preceding three years the vehicle has shown a mixed pattern: two passes in 2024 and 2023 were accompanied by several advisories, and a repeat failure in 2023 for front brake disc wear and rear lamp faults. The trend therefore appears to be deteriorating, with defects moving from advisory‑only to a genuine major failure, suggesting that maintenance may have been reactive rather than proactive. At 69,174 miles on a 2004 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 3,100 mi, which is considerably below the typical UK usage of 7‑10 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often indicates periods of prolonged storage or very light duty, both of which can lead to age‑related degradation of rubber components, corrosion of brake discs and calipers, and battery sulphation, even though the wear on moving parts may be limited. Conversely, any spikes in mileage that are not reflected in the recorded total could hide accelerated wear on the drivetrain, suspension bushings and tyre tread, so a thorough visual inspection of the odometer history and service book is advisable. The missing anti‑roll bar dust cover should be replaced immediately and the associated ball joint inspected for excessive play, corrosion or worn splines; any looseness will be felt as a clunk or vague steering wander, especially when cornering or driving over bumps. Front brake discs have been flagged as worn on both sides for several years; measuring the remaining thickness is essential – if they are within 2 mm of the minimum specification, replacement will be required to avoid brake fade or vibration. The off‑side rear tyre was noted as slightly damaged or perishing, and given the vehicle’s age, sidewall cracking can progress rapidly; a tyre specialist should assess tread depth, sidewall integrity and age (tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement regardless of tread). The off‑side rear position lamp and stop lamp failures recorded in 2023 must be rectified, checking both bulbs and the wiring harness for corrosion, as faulty signalling can lead to a subsequent MOT failure. Beyond the recorded defects, a buyer should conduct age‑related checks typical for a 22‑year‑old car. Inspect the 12 V battery for bulging cells, low cranking voltage and electrolyte level if it is a conventional lead‑acid type; a load test will reveal any hidden weakness. Examine all rubber hoses, the coolant expansion tank and the engine oil seals for cracks, hardening or leaks, as time‑based degradation can cause overheating or oil loss. Verify that the timing chain (if fitted) shows no rattling and that the service book contains regular oil changes and coolant flushes; absence of such records may indicate overdue maintenance. Finally, ensure the front registration plate is replaced with a legible, securely mounted plate to avoid future MOT advisories.