2016 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · MF66 WJJ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 25 September 2025 following a same-day failure earlier that day. The failure was caused by a fractured offside front coil spring, which is a structural and safety-critical suspension component that would have produced a noticeable crash or knocking noise over bumps, uneven tyre wear, and compromised handling and braking stability. The advisories recorded alongside this test include general underbody surface corrosion and corroded but not seriously weakened front lower suspension arms on both sides. Looking across the MOT history, the maintenance trend is clearly worsening rather than stable. Earlier tests in 2019 and 2021 recorded no advisories at all, but from 2022 onwards the advisory count has progressively increased, covering strut corrosion, front brake disc wear, both rear tyres perishing, both front suspension arms corroding, and ultimately a fractured coil spring within a three-year window. This escalation is typical of a ten-year-old vehicle beginning to suffer from age-related corrosion and component fatigue, and it warrants close scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 44,612 miles across approximately ten years equates to an average of around 4,461 miles per year, which is significantly below the national average for a car of this age. While low annual mileage reduces wear on internal combustion components such as the engine, clutch, and transmission, it carries its own set of mechanical implications. Vehicles that are used only lightly or left standing for prolonged periods are particularly susceptible to underbody and structural corrosion from road salts and moisture exposure, brake disc surface corrosion leading to judder under braking, caliper seizure from infrequent use, perishing of rubber components such as tyres and suspension bushes, and 12V battery degradation from short or infrequent running cycles. The general underbody corrosion advisory recorded on the most recent test is consistent with this low-use, age-related corrosion profile, even though the overall odometer reading remains modest. Because the MOT history shows recurring corrosion advisories on front suspension components and a recent fractured coil spring, a prospective buyer should carry out a focused physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres, as these may indicate worn suspension bushes, top mounts, or anti-roll bar links that have deteriorated alongside the arms and coil spring already flagged. Inspect both front tyres for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which could point to suspension geometry issues or weakened springs, and check the rear tyres closely for any cracking or perishing in the sidewalls, as both rears were previously flagged and the vehicle's low mileage means tyres may be aged rather than worn out. Request evidence that the fractured coil spring has been replaced with a quality pattern or original equipment part, and verify that the front brake discs previously noted as worn and pitted have been inspected for minimum thickness, as heavily corroded or below-specification discs will cause brake shudder under pedal application. Beyond the flagged items, several age-related checks are highly relevant to this ten-year-old, low-mileage Yaris. Lift the bonnet and inspect the 12V battery for any signs of bulging, corrosion around the terminals, or a low-state-of-charge indicator, as batteries typically require replacement every five to seven years regardless of use. Verify that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid have been serviced on a calendar basis rather than purely on mileage, as time degrades fluid chemistry even when the vehicle is used sparingly. Examine the underside thoroughly with a torch for any advanced corrosion on subframes, brake lines, and fuel lines, particularly given the recorded underbody advisories, and ensure all seat belts, including those behind any rear seat trim, can be fully extended and retracted smoothly, as a previous advisory prevented inspection of the rear belts. Finally, confirm a complete main dealer or specialist service history with corresponding invoices, as consistent low-mileage servicing is essential to demonstrate the vehicle has been properly maintained during its prolonged standing periods.