2004 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · LM04 YAG

Running costs for a 2004 Toyota Yaris 1.3 are generally modest. Fuel economy typically ranges from 40-50 mpg combined depending on driving style. Road tax for a 1.3-litre petrol of this age falls in a low band, though post-2004 cars priced over £40,000 at new would attract the premium rate — this base Yaris does not. Insurance should sit in a low group (likely group 2-4), keeping premiums reasonable for most drivers.

However, the MOT failure pattern suggests higher-than-average maintenance spend in the near term. Replacement CV joint boots typically cost £150-£250 per side including labour, anti-roll bar bushes around £80-£150, and a pair of tyres roughly £80-£120. Combining fuel, tax, insurance, and expected maintenance, annual running costs are likely to fall in the £900-£1,200 range for the next year or two until the car is fully sorted.

Start with the nearside front CV joint — the MOT record notes 'severely deteriorated' boot, which is a serious defect. Jack the car up and inspect the boot for splits, grease loss, or contamination. Any clicking or knocking under load when test driving suggests the joint itself may be damaged and the driveshaft may need replacement at £200-£400.

Inspect the front anti-roll bar linkages and bushes, as these have been flagged at all three recorded tests. Worn bushes are not yet a failure but indicate the components are nearing the end of their service life. Check the front brake discs for scoring or lipping, as the latest test noted wear 'not excessively' — get a gauge reading if possible. Examine all four tyres for uneven wear, particularly on the fronts where edge wear was previously noted. Finally, verify the operation of all exterior lights including the front position lamps and number plate lamp, both of which were recent failures.