2004 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · ML04 AAF

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 June 2026 resulted in a PASS, although five advisory items were recorded, indicating a vehicle that remains legally roadworthy but is beginning to show its age in several key areas. The maintenance trend is broadly stable rather than worsening, as the two recent failures on 15 and 19 June 2026 were both rectified within a single week, and the subsequent pass demonstrates a proactive approach to defect resolution. However, the pattern of repeated advisories across consecutive tests for oil leaks, rear shock absorber misting, and chassis corrosion suggests these are persistent, slowly progressing conditions rather than isolated incidents. A prospective buyer should view this as a fundamentally sound but ageing car that will require increasingly attentive maintenance over the coming years. With a recorded mileage of 153,903 miles spread across 22 years, this Yaris has covered approximately 7,000 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its vintage and is a positive indicator for long-term mechanical durability given Toyota's well-established reputation for reliability. There is no evidence in the MOT history of excessive mileage accumulation in any single period, nor are there extended gaps suggesting long periods of standing unused, which removes concerns over seized calipers, dry-started engines, or perished fuel lines often associated with low-use vehicles. That said, at this mileage level, internal engine wear, transmission wear, and clutch condition should be expected and verified independently of the MOT record. The recurring advisories warrant close attention. The nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint has been flagged with slight play, and combined with the offside front coil spring that was found fractured in June 2026, the front suspension clearly requires a thorough inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering, particularly under braking. The persistent oil leak, although classed as not excessive, should be monitored by checking the underside for fresh drips and inspecting the oil level regularly, as neglected leaks can escalate into more serious engine or sealing issues. The fractured coil spring has been replaced to allow the pass, but the remaining components around it are now older and may follow suit. The advisories relating to rear shock absorber oil misting, corroded underbody and suspension components, and previously repaired sill sections point to a vehicle that is beginning to suffer from structural surface corrosion typical of its age and mileage. This is not currently a failure point, but it warrants a close visual inspection from underneath, ideally on a ramp, to confirm that the corrosion remains superficial and has not penetrated load-bearing areas. On the test drive, pay attention to any rear-end instability over undulating roads or excessive bouncing after compressing the suspension, as degraded shock absorbers will progressively extend stopping distances and reduce ride control. Additionally, request evidence of the recent rear registration plate lamp repair, verify the operation of the high-level central stop lamp, and confirm that the headlamp lens hazing has not deteriorated to a point where light output is now compromised, as plastic headlamp degradation tends to accelerate once it begins. Finally, given the vehicle's age, ensure that age-related items such as the 12V battery condition, cooling system coolant, brake fluid, and timing chain or belt service history are verified, as these are not assessed under the MOT but are critical to continued reliability.