2005 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · MT55 AEX

This Toyota Yaris presents a stable roadworthiness record over the past four years, with the most recent MOT in January 2025 at 120,858 miles passing without any defects. The consistency extends back to January 2022, where the only anomaly was a failed test at 100,993 miles—yet no faults were recorded, suggesting a clerical or administrative error rather than a mechanical issue. The absence of advisories or defects across three consecutive annual tests indicates that major structural, suspension, or braking components have remained within acceptable tolerances. That said, the near-identical mileage between the 2022 fail and pass (just 2 miles apart) raises a minor red flag about the accuracy of the earlier entry, though it does not reflect on the vehicle’s current condition. The mileage accumulation of roughly 5,755 miles per year is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the 21-year gap since manufacture. The figures suggest either infrequent use, prolonged periods of inactivity, or a combination of both. The jump from 100,995 miles in January 2022 to 116,815 miles in January 2023—a gain of 15,820 miles in a year—stands out as an outlier, though it still represents lighter-than-average usage. Without further context, it’s impossible to determine whether this was a one-off period of increased activity or an error in mileage recording. The overall trend, however, implies that wear on high-mileage components like clutch, gearbox, and engine internals may be minimal, but this should be verified through a pre-purchase inspection. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough check of components not routinely tested under the MOT scheme. The suspension—particularly the coil springs, dampers, and bushings—should be scrutinised for wear or corrosion, as these are not MOT-tested but critical for handling. Binding calipers or uneven brake disc thickness could still be present despite no recorded faults, so a brake system inspection is advisable. The exhaust system, while not flagged, may show signs of rust or leaks, especially given the vehicle’s age and the potential for moisture ingress during periods of inactivity. Finally, the underbody and wheel arches should be examined for structural corrosion, as this is often undetectable without lifting the vehicle. The absence of MOT defects does not guarantee these areas are free from deterioration.