2003 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · LR53 OSD
2003 Toyota Yaris (1.3L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 82,642 miles. MOT valid until 13 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA YARIS
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 13 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 82,642 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
LR53 OSD Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 14/04/2026
- 82,642 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LR53 OSD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Toyota Yaris (LR53 OSD) between November 2023 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 14 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
LR53 OSD Mileage History
- 22/11/202379,685 mi
- 22/11/202379,685 mi
- 15/04/202581,411 mi+1,726 mi
- 14/04/202682,642 mi+1,231 mi
- 14/04/202682,642 mi
Average of roughly 1,236 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A highly recommended purchase for those seeking a reliable, low-mileage city car. While it requires some minor brake maintenance, its overall history suggests a well-preserved example of a dependable model.
Focus your negotiation on the braking system. The April 2026 MOT highlighted that front brake discs and pads are wearing thin; while it passed, these will need replacing shortly, which provides a natural point for a price reduction. Check the service history to see if the oil has been changed regularly, as low-mileage older cars can sometimes suffer from neglected fluid intervals.
Ensure the registration plates are replaced if they still look deteriorated, as this was a noted advisory. Given the age of the car, check for any signs of chassis corrosion, particularly around the sills and wheel arches, though the clean MOT history suggests this hasn't been a major issue so far.
The 1.3L petrol engine is designed for efficiency, offering low fuel consumption typical of the Yaris range. Being a 2003 model, it will fall into a lower tax bracket and a budget-friendly insurance group, making it an ideal first car or urban runaround.
Maintenance costs are typically low for this model, though you should budget for the imminent front brake replacement. Expect annual costs to remain modest due to the vehicle's simple mechanical nature and proven reliability.
Prioritize an inspection of the front brakes. The MOT data from April 2026 specifically mentions worn discs and thin pads; check for any pulsing during braking or excessive noise. Also, verify that the registration plate lamp, which caused a failure in April 2026, has been permanently fixed and is functioning correctly.
Check the headlamps to ensure the beam aim is correct, as the vehicle previously failed in November 2023 due to incorrect headlamp projection. Finally, inspect the black paintwork for fading or clear-coat failure, which is common on older dark-coloured vehicles kept outdoors.
This black 2003 Toyota Yaris is in impressive condition for its age, showing a total of 82,642 miles which is very low for a 23-year-old vehicle. The MOT history is generally clean, with recent issues limited to wear-and-tear items like brake pads and registration plates. It represents a solid value proposition for a budget-conscious buyer prioritizing longevity.
The Toyota Yaris of this era is widely regarded as one of the most reliable small cars ever produced, known for mechanical simplicity and longevity.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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