2006 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · MJ06 DXF

A clear pattern of accumulating corrosion and wear-related advisories defines this 2006 Toyota Yaris, with the most recent test on 2024-10-21 returning a pass but carrying forward multiple repeat concerns. Across the recorded history there have been two failures, the first in September 2021 for a fractured offside front coil spring, deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers on both sides, and a split nearside front CV joint boot, and the second a retest failure in October 2023 that nonetheless passed on the same date. The advisory trail shows chronic brake pipe corrosion on both front and rear lines, pitted front brake discs, headlamp lens degradation, a deteriorated registration plate, exhaust gas leaks, and rear subframe corrosion noted as not seriously weakened. The condition of the braking and underbody components has not shown meaningful improvement between tests, indicating a slow but steady deterioration rather than a one-off lapse. Mileage of 143,052 over approximately 20 years works out at roughly 7,150 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and consistent with moderate private use. There are no obvious multi-year gaps in the MOT record that would suggest the car was laid up off the road, with tests recorded in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. This continuous annual testing supports a working assumption that the vehicle has remained in regular service rather than standing for extended periods, meaning wear on consumables and suspension components reflects genuine use rather than the particular problems associated with long-term storage. For a Yaris of this vintage, the cumulative mileage is high enough that age-related degradation of underbody and braking components would be expected, and the MOT record is broadly consistent with that expectation. From a buyer perspective, the brake pipe corrosion advisories recorded on both front and rear lines in 2023 and again in 2024 are the most pressing concern, as surface corrosion on brake pipes tends to progress once it has taken hold and can ultimately lead to a failure if not treated or replaced. On a test drive, the pedal should feel firm with no sponginess, and any warning light, grinding, or pulling to one side under braking should prompt immediate inspection of the discs, pads, calipers and lines. The front brake discs were flagged as pitted or scored at both the 2019 and 2024 tests, so any harsh vibration or judder through the steering wheel during heavier braking would suggest they have worn beyond advisory limits. The rear subframe corrosion noted in 2023 and the rear suspension mounting corrosion in 2022 also warrant a physical inspection on a ramp or over a pit, looking for any flaking, scale, or section loss around mounting points and the rear beam area, as these areas are known corrosion traps on older Yaris models. The 2021 failure items, particularly the fractured front coil spring and split CV boot, have been resolved at the time of the most recent tests, but a fractured spring on a 15-year-old car is a warning sign for the remaining springs and the rear shocks, one of which was flagged for light oil misting in 2021. On the road, listen for any clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces from the front suspension, particularly over speed bumps, and check for any uneven tyre wear which would point to worn wishbone bushes similar to the offside front bush advisory from 2022. The exhaust has recorded minor leaks in 2019 and 2023, so any rattling, ticking under load, or smell of exhaust gases in the cabin should be taken seriously. Finally, the headlamp lens hazing and deteriorated number plate are minor cosmetic items but worth factoring into negotiation, as the lenses can be restored and the plate is a straightforward replacement.