2013 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · MP56 MSP

A defining mechanical characteristic of this 2013 Toyota Yaris is the gradual accumulation of structural and underbody corrosion advisories alongside wearing brake and suspension components, painting a picture of a thirteen year old vehicle whose chassis components are beginning to show age related fatigue rather than the clean record typical of well maintained examples. The most recent test on 14 October 2025 recorded a pass, but it carried five advisories that together suggest the front struts and rear axle are developing the sort of wear consistent with corrosion setting into suspension assemblies on older vehicles. Both front Macpherson struts were flagged as corroded but not seriously weakened, while both rear axle swivel pin bushes were noted as splitting and the front arm rear bushes were also recorded as split, a clear pattern of polymer bushing degradation. Looking back to November 2024, a previous failure was issued on 8 November 2024 for what appears to be the same condition set that then passed the following day, confirming that the corrosion and wear items were already established a year prior and have simply progressed rather than been rectified. The earlier 2023 test was notable for a Dangerous failure due to a nearside front tyre bulge caused by structural separation, an isolated but serious safety event that warrants attention when inspecting the remaining rubber components. The recorded mileage of 48,750 miles against a thirteen year service life equates to roughly 3,750 miles per year, which is substantially below the national average and indicates a vehicle that has either been used sparingly as a secondary car or has experienced extended periods of standing between uses. From a mechanical standpoint, lower annual mileage reduces wear on high friction components such as brake discs and pads, but it can accelerate corrosion on exposed underbody and suspension parts, particularly if the vehicle has been stored outdoors or driven predominantly on damp winter roads with road salt. The MOT records span from 2023 through late 2025, which is a relatively short testing window for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either long periods off the road or that earlier test certificates have not been captured in the supplied history. The combination of low mileage and emerging corrosion advisories strongly implies that underbody protection may have been compromised and that rust will continue to progress on the front strut assemblies and rear axle mounting points if the vehicle remains in regular winter use. For a prospective buyer, the primary areas of concern are the front suspension struts and the rear axle and front suspension bushes, all of which have been flagged across the two most recent MOT tests. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or potholes, as split bushes and corroded strut housings can produce audible slack even before measurable movement develops at the wheel. Pay particular attention to steering precision: if the front bushes are splitting, you may notice vagueness on turn in, a slight delay before the nose responds to steering input, or a mild wandering sensation at motorway speeds. Inspect the rear axle area visually for any visible cracking or crumbling of the rubber bushes where the axle meets the body, as the recorded splitting has likely progressed further since October 2025 and could soon tip into MOT failure territory. The braking system also requires close scrutiny, as the front discs have been flagged in consecutive tests as worn and pitted, with pad material reducing to around 3mm at the latest inspection. On the test drive, apply the brakes firmly from around 40 mph and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel or a pulsating brake pedal, both of which would indicate disc warping or uneven wear beyond what is currently recorded. Listen for any grinding or scraping noises from the front wheels which would suggest pads have worn closer to the backing plate since the October test. Inspect the tyres thoroughly, as the 2023 Dangerous failure for a sidewall bulge highlights that this vehicle has experienced at least one catastrophic tyre separation event, and check the sidewalls of all four tyres for any lumps, bulges, or cracking that could indicate age related rubber degradation given the vehicle's low annual mileage which often leads to sidewall perishing rather than tread wear. Finally, place the vehicle on a ramp or use a torch to inspect the front strut casings for any visible perforation or heavy scaling, as the corrosion advisories have now been present for at least a year and the transition from cosmetic corrosion to serious weakening can occur rapidly on exposed suspension metal.