2016 Toyota Yaris 1.5L Hybrid electric · LS66 KLC

A consistent pattern of rear brake disc wear and front tyre deterioration has emerged across the most recent MOT examinations for this 2016 Toyota Yaris, providing the defining mechanical narrative of its roadworthiness record. The most recent test on 22 September 2025 returned a Pass with two advisories: an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its outer edge, and rear brake discs noted as worn, pitted, or scored though not seriously weakened. This continues a trend visible since at least 2023, when both front tyres were flagged for sidewall cuts and the rear discs first attracted the same pitting advisory. The 2024 examination added sidewall perishing on the offside front and nearside rear tyres alongside the recurring rear disc wear. Aside from a minor registration plate lamp defect and a TPMS illumination in 2022, the earlier tests in 2020, 2021, and 2023 recorded no defects, suggesting the wear-related advisories are a relatively recent development rather than a longstanding chronic issue. With a recorded mileage of 35,069 miles spread across approximately ten years, this Yaris has accumulated at an average rate of around 3,500 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and suggests either limited daily use or extended periods of inactivity. Despite the modest mileage, the DVSA history shows annual MOT tests from 2019 through 2025 with no significant gaps in testing, indicating the vehicle has remained on the road consistently. Low annual mileage typically means less wear on major drivetrain and engine components, but it can also accelerate deterioration of rubber items, brake surfaces through surface corrosion, and underbody components during periods of damp standing. The recurring pitting and scoring on the rear brake discs, despite low overall mileage, may reflect exactly this kind of light, stop-start usage pattern that promotes surface oxidation rather than even pad wear. For a prospective buyer, the rear brake discs warrant direct physical inspection and a measured assessment of remaining material thickness, as three consecutive advisories indicate progressive surface degradation that may soon require machining or replacement. A test drive should include firm pedal applications from moderate speed to check for any judder, vibration through the steering wheel, or pulsing that would suggest the disc surfaces have worn unevenly. Listen for any grinding or scraping sounds from the rear axle area on initial movement after the car has been stationary, as pitted discs can cause temporary brake binding until the pads clear the corrosion. The front tyres should be examined closely on both the inner and outer shoulders for uneven wear patterns, as repeated advisories on the offside front outer edge may point to a tracking, camber, or suspension geometry issue rather than simple tyre age. The sidewall cuts and perishing noted on previous front and rear tyres should prompt a careful visual inspection of all four current tyres for any cracking, bulges, or exposed cords, particularly given the documented history of sidewall damage. Suspension components including wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar links, and the rear beam axle bushes should be checked for any perishing or cracking, as low-mileage vehicles often suffer accelerated rubber degradation. With the front tyres having reached legal limit status at the last test, replacement should be anticipated as an immediate cost. Beyond these specific items, the overall MOT record offers a credible basis for proceeding with a standard pre-purchase inspection focused on the documented advisory areas, with no structural corrosion, exhaust, or lighting failures recorded to suggest broader mechanical concerns.