2008 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · LM08 DFC

The 2008 Toyota Yaris presents a generally favourable roadworthiness profile across its seven recorded MOT tests spanning 2019 to 2025, with only one failure logged in May 2019 due to an ineffective nearside windscreen wiper, which was rectified and followed by a pass on the same date. From 2020 through 2024 the vehicle achieved five consecutive clean passes with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating consistent compliance with roadworthiness standards during that period. The most recent test on 10 July 2025 was a pass, but it carried two minor advisories concerning severely deteriorated CV joint boots on both front drive shafts and deteriorated dust covers on both front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints. While these were noted as minor items rather than failures, their presence on both sides of the front axle signals the early stages of wear that warrants close inspection before purchase. With 98,410 miles accumulated over approximately 18 years, the Yaris has covered an average of roughly 5,467 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This restrained usage pattern means wear-related components such as the engine internals, clutch, and gearbox have experienced less mechanical stress than a higher-mileage equivalent, though it also raises the possibility of extended periods of inactivity which can affect rubber boots, seals, brake components, and underbody protection. The MOT testing history shows consistent annual tests from 2019 onwards without significant gaps, suggesting the vehicle has remained in active use throughout the recorded period. There are no mileage anomalies or unexplained jumps between tests that would raise concerns about odometer integrity or prolonged off-road storage. Given the 2025 advisories on the front CV joint boots and anti-roll bar linkage dust covers, a prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and drivetrain. Inspect both front inner and outer CV boots for tears, grease loss, or cracking, as perished boots allow water and grit ingress that accelerates joint wear. Listen for clicking or knocking noises from the front wheels during sharp turns, which indicates worn CV joints. For the anti-roll bar linkages, check for play by rocking the tyre side to side and listening for clonks over uneven surfaces, as the ball joint dust cover deterioration suggests the joints themselves may soon require replacement. Additionally, because the vehicle has been relatively low-mileage, verify brake disc condition for surface corrosion and check that the handbrake mechanism has not seized from infrequent use. A test drive should include varied road surfaces to detect suspension knocks or clonks consistent with worn bushes or linkage joints, and particular attention should be paid to steering precision given the reported anti-roll bar component wear. Listen for any rhythmic clicking or vibration through the steering wheel during full-lock manoeuvres, which would confirm the advisories have progressed into active defects. Check the underside for any oil leaks from the engine or gearbox, as low annual mileage does not necessarily prevent seal degradation from age. Finally, despite the clean test record between 2020 and 2024, the emergence of advisories in 2025 suggests the vehicle is entering a phase where age-related rubber and bushing components will require attention, making a pre-purchase mechanical inspection advisable.