2010 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · ML60 BVB

The most recent MOT test on 2026-04-11 resulted in a passing outcome, though it did not eliminate all previous concerns from the preceding test. The vehicle’s overall maintenance trend appears to be stable rather than deteriorating, as the latest inspection only highlighted a persistent minor exhaust gas leak at the rear, a condition that has been flagged consistently since April 2025. The failure of headlamp alignment issues in April 2026 suggests these were either rectified prior to the most recent test or are less critical now, as they do not pose a road safety risk. The presence of wheel bearing advisories from 2025 remains unresolved, indicating a need for attention to prevent further wear or potential bearing failure, which could lead to wheel bearing seizure and catastrophic wheel separation. The undersealing advisory from multiple years also suggests the vehicle has been protected against road debris, but this does not address underlying mechanical wear. The recorded mileage of 114,559 miles for a 2010 Toyota Yaris reflects a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 7,160 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a vehicle of this age and class. Such mileage accumulation is typical for a car that has been driven regularly but not excessively, though the consistent annual increase over 16 years implies sustained operational use rather than prolonged periods of disuse. However, the absence of a significant gap in mileage data does not necessarily indicate ideal maintenance—it could also suggest that the vehicle has been driven under varying conditions, potentially accelerating wear on components like brakes, suspension, and drivetrain elements. The lack of a dramatic spike in mileage suggests no recent high-mileage acceleration, but the wear history of the wheel bearings and exhaust system indicates that regular servicing has not fully mitigated the effects of prolonged use. For the prospective buyer, the most critical immediate inspection should focus on the rear wheel bearings, as the slight play recorded in 2025 poses a risk of increased noise, vibration, and eventual wheel bearing failure if left unaddressed. On a test drive, listen for a grinding or humming noise from the offside rear wheel, particularly when cornering or accelerating, which may indicate bearing wear. Inspect the rear wheel hubs for excessive play or excessive wheel wobble, and check for any oil leaks around the bearing housing. The minor exhaust gas leak at the rear should be addressed promptly to prevent further corrosion of the exhaust system, especially given the vehicle’s age. Visually inspect the exhaust manifold and pipes for signs of rust or structural compromise, and listen for unusual exhaust noises or backpressure, which could indicate a failing catalytic converter or exhaust manifold crack. Beyond the immediate concerns, the buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle’s structural integrity, particularly focusing on the undersealed areas to ensure the protection against road debris remains effective. Check the tyre tread depth on all tyres, not just the front, as the 2025 MOT failure highlighted front tyres below the legal minimum, and verify that the rear tyres have sufficient tread for safe handling. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for signs of cracking or perishing, which can occur with age even at moderate mileage, and ensure the tyres are evenly worn to avoid directional issues. The 12V battery should be tested for charge retention and overall health, as older vehicles are prone to battery failure, particularly if the alternator is not functioning correctly. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, the buyer should verify that the service book or maintenance records include time-based servicing for fluids such as brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, as these can degrade over time even without significant mileage. If no service records are available, consider a comprehensive fluid check and top-ups, and inspect for signs of fluid leaks under the vehicle.