2009 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · LM59 WHS

The most recent DVSA examination dated 2 October 2025 records a PASS, which immediately follows a FAILED entry on the same date. That failure cited three Major defects: parking brake efficiency below the required level, the offside rear parking brake inoperative on one side, and an offside front road wheel fixing missing. Because the test passed the same day, these issues were evidently rectified prior to or during the re-test, but the dual entry is noteworthy. Looking at the broader trajectory, the 2023 test produced two PRS (pass after rectification) items relating to a position lamp and headlamp alignment, while the 2024 test was a clean pass with only a single advisory concerning an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. Taken together, the pattern does not show a deteriorating trend in any single component area; rather, the records reflect isolated, specific incidents rather than systemic neglect. Nevertheless, the parking brake and wheel fixing items warrant particular scrutiny as they are safety-critical and could recur if underlying causes were not fully addressed. With 72,815 miles recorded across approximately seventeen years, this Yaris has covered roughly 4,283 miles per annum, which is markedly below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age and indicates either light regular use or extended periods of inactivity. Such low annual mileage is mechanically double-edged. On the positive side, major drivetrain and wear components including the clutch, engine internals, and main braking surfaces have likely experienced minimal cumulative wear. Conversely, low-mileage vehicles are particularly susceptible to time-based deterioration: standing can promote brake disc corrosion and caliper seizure, encourage battery sulphation, accelerate tyre sidewall perishing through age rather than tread wear, and degrade consumable fluids such as brake fluid and coolant through calendar ageing rather than usage. Any prospective buyer should also consider whether the MOT mileage records reveal significant gaps that might suggest long storage periods, which carry their own implications for rubber seals, hose condition, and underbody corrosion. Given the recorded defects, the parking brake system deserves immediate and thorough physical inspection. A 2009 Yaris typically uses a drum-in-hat arrangement on the rear brakes actuated by cable; the failure of the offside rear parking brake suggests the cable may have stretched, seized within its outer sleeve, or that the rear shoe self-adjuster has failed. On a test drive, the vehicle should be parked on an incline and the handbrake engaged firmly to confirm it holds without creeping, and the lever travel should feel progressive rather than requiring excessive pulls. The missing road wheel fixing is a serious safety item and must be verified by physically inspecting all four wheels for the presence and correct torque of every stud or bolt, ideally confirming that a replacement fastener of the correct grade and length has been used. The 2024 advisory regarding an offside front tyre worn on its edge is also relevant; edge wear typically indicates incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension bushes, or a perished or binding ball joint, and uneven wear patterns should be examined closely during any viewing. The 2023 headlamp aim and position lamp defects are common age-related electrical issues and should be checked simply by confirming all exterior lights function and the beam pattern sits below the horizontal cutoff line on a level surface. Beyond the specific MOT entries, a vehicle of this age and low mileage demands attention to several age-related service items that the MOT will not necessarily cover. The 12V battery is likely original or near-original and should be load-tested, as low-mileage cars with frequent short trips or long standing periods are prone to premature battery failure. Brake fluid should be replaced regardless of condition due to its hygroscopic nature, typically on a two-year cycle, and engine coolant similarly degrades over time. The timing chain on the 1.0 and 1.3 petrol units fitted to this generation Yaris should be inspected for elongation and guide wear, and the auxiliary belt and tensioner examined for cracking. All tyres, including the spare, should be checked for DOT date stamps, as rubber older than six years becomes hard and prone to sidewall failure regardless of remaining tread. Finally, inspect the underbody and wheel arches for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the rear axle, and verify a complete service history with documented stamp or invoice evidence to confirm that time-based servicing has been carried out despite the low annual mileage.