2018 Toyota Yaris 1.5L Petrol · MV18 KXA

This Toyota Yaris presents as roadworthy based on the April 2026 MOT pass, but a concerning recurring fault with the offside front shock absorber has been flagged across three consecutive tests since early 2025. The vehicle failed its MOT just one week prior to the latest pass due to a non-working nearside front side repeater and the same shock absorber issue, indicating the primary repair addressed the light but persistent oil misting from that component. While the current test certificate is valid, the persistence of the shock absorber advisory suggests a seal or internal component is deteriorating and will likely require imminent replacement, representing a potential safety and handling concern if left unattended. The recorded mileage of 21,113 miles for an eight-year-old vehicle is exceptionally low, averaging approximately 2,639 miles annually. The MOT history reveals significant gaps between annual tests, with over 15 months between the January 2024 and January 2025 tests, and another 15-month gap to April 2026. This sporadic testing pattern, combined with the very low annual mileage, suggests the car has experienced long periods of infrequent use or prolonged storage. Such a usage pattern can be as detrimental as high mileage, leading to accelerated ageing of rubber components, seals, and tyres, as evidenced by the widespread tyre perishing and cracking noted in the January 2024 test. A buyer must physically inspect the offside front shock absorber for active oil leakage or heavy misting and assess its damping performance. The history of severe tyre perishing and edge wear in early 2024, despite subsequent passes, warrants a meticulous examination of all four tyres for sidewall cracking, perished rubber, and uneven wear patterns that could indicate prior neglect or storage damage. Furthermore, the advisory regarding wear to the front discs in January 2025 should prompt a check for scoring, thickness variation, or excessive run-out during a road test. The low overall mileage does not guarantee pristine mechanical condition; instead, it shifts the focus to age-related degradation in suspension bushes, brake components, and rubber gaiters.