2003 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · MM53 BHU
2003 Toyota Yaris (1.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Dec 2003. Recorded mileage 101,014 miles. MOT expired on 07 Aug 2026. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA YARIS
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Aug 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 101,014 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
MM53 BHU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/08/2025
- 101,014 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MM53 BHU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Toyota Yaris (MM53 BHU) between June 2022 and August 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 August 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (11 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Bodywork (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Tyres (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 29 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Rear Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment both sides (1.1.6 (c))”; “Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”; “Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))”.
MM53 BHU Mileage History
- 24/06/202280,719 mi
- 31/05/202384,343 mi+3,624 mi
- 14/06/202497,990 mi+13,647 mi
- 09/08/2025101,014 mi+3,024 mi
- 09/08/2025101,014 mi
Average of roughly 6,491 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2003 Toyota Yaris presents significant risks due to severe corrosion and repeated brake system failures. We advise caution and a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic before purchase.
Prioritise a detailed mechanical inspection focusing on brake systems and corrosion. Check for rust in wheel arches, under the car, and on body panels. Verify service history for brake pipe replacements and corrosion treatments. Negotiate heavily given the risk profile - expect to reduce the price by 20-30% compared to a well-maintained example. Be wary of 'cosmetic' fixes that may hide deeper structural issues.
As a 2003 petrol model, it will incur £145 annual road tax (pre-2017 tax rates). Fuel economy averages 40-45 mpg, costing ~£800-£1,000 annually for 6,000 miles. Insurance group 15-18 (est £700-£900/year). Brake pipe replacements and corrosion repairs could add £300-£500/year. Overall estimated annual running cost: £1,800-£2,400.
Thoroughly check all brake pipes for corrosion, especially rear ones mentioned in multiple MOTs. Inspect wheel bearings for noise and play, and test parking brake operation. Examine underbody for structural corrosion (sills, floor pans) and check for rust in wheel arches. Verify registration plate lighting functionality. Look for signs of body panel replacements that may indicate accident history. Test all lights, particularly rear ones mentioned in the 2025 failure.
The vehicle shows high mileage (101,014 miles) for its age, with consistent corrosion issues across multiple MOTs. Brake pipe corrosion, parking brake problems, and structural body corrosion raise concerns about long-term reliability and safety. While the 2003 Yaris is a classic model, this example's history suggests potential hidden costs.
While Toyota Yaris models generally show good reliability, this specific 2003 example demonstrates how corrosion and brake system wear can significantly impact long-term viability, particularly in coastal or high-moisture areas.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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