2009 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · MA59 XAH

A fractured front coil spring and a torn constant velocity boot define the mechanical risk profile for this 2009 Toyota Yaris, with the most recent MOT test on 5 September 2026 failing specifically on the nearside front drive shaft joint boot no longer preventing ingress of dirt. A second failure recorded on the same day in 2025 was repaired immediately and the vehicle subsequently passed a clean test on 30 August 2025 with no defects recorded, which suggests the spring was replaced after the test centre refused to issue a pass certificate. Across the eight recorded tests from 2020 to 2026 the vehicle has passed seven times, though the two PRS and Major defects within the past twelve months indicate that the front suspension and drivetrain are now demanding attention rather than being in a settled, roadworthy state. The single advisory recorded on the same September 2026 test notes an offside front suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement, which is a developing concern on top of the more serious items flagged at the same visit. Recorded mileage of 78,207 against a 17 year age equates to roughly 4,600 miles per year on average, which is notably low for a Yaris of this generation. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing pattern from 2020 onwards, so the vehicle appears to have been in regular use rather than laid up for extended periods, which reduces the likelihood of deterioration through standing such as seized calipers, perished hoses, or a heavily discharged 12V battery. Equally, however, low annual mileage tends to mean more short journeys, and for a Yaris of this age the recorded accumulation is consistent with inner-city stop-start use that places higher demand on the cooling system, brake discs, and CV joints relative to the overall distance covered. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priorities should be a physical inspection of the nearside front CV boot, confirming that the replacement gaiter is correctly seated, clamped, and free of grease contamination on the surrounding suspension arm and wheel arch liner. A test drive should include listening for a rhythmic clicking from the front corner on full lock, particularly at low speed, and feeling for any vibration through the steering wheel which would suggest the joint has already ingested contaminants and the tripod or ball race is beginning to fail. The offside front suspension arm pin or bush flagged as an advisory should be checked by hand with the wheel loaded; any clonking over uneven surfaces, vague steering response, or uneven front tyre wear would suggest the bush has moved beyond the advisory threshold. The fractured coil spring history means the front suspension should be treated as a known wear point. On a road test, listen for a metallic rattle or crash over speed humps and rough tarmac, and check that the vehicle sits level at the front with no obvious droop on either corner. Inspect both front tyres for uneven inner shoulder wear, which on a Yaris typically points to worn suspension bushes or weak springs allowing camber to vary under load. Given the combined CV boot failure and prior spring fracture, a thorough pre-purchase inspection with the vehicle on a ramp is advisable, paying particular attention to the remaining front coil spring, the front strut top mounts, and any grease deposits emanating from the repaired CV joint area.