2009 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · MW09 HPZ

The 2009 Toyota Yars presents a stable but ageing mechanical profile, passing its most recent MOT on 5 June 2025 at 26,962 miles with three minor advisories. The maintenance trend is broadly stable rather than worsening, though the pattern of recurring tyre deterioration and emerging corrosion suggests the car has sat unused for extended periods rather than receiving proactive preventative care. The tester flagged slight corrosion on both rear flexible brake hose ferrules and noted the gearbox underside was damp with oil, indicating a slow weep rather than an active leak. Rear chassis corrosion around the suspension component mounts was recorded but deemed not excessive, which is encouraging for structural integrity at this age. The mileage accumulation tells a clear story of very light use. Between the June 2021 test at 23,528 miles and the June 2024 test at 24,504 miles, the car covered just 976 miles across three full years. The gap from June 2024 to June 2025 added a further 2,458 miles, suggesting slightly more recent activity, yet the annual average across the entire history remains around 1,586 miles. This ultra-low usage explains the perishing tyre advisories rather than wear-related failures, rubber degrades with age and UV exposure regardless of tread depth. The sparse but consistent annual testing record shows no gaps in MOT coverage, which is a positive indicator of legal compliance. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension mounting points and subframe area, given the recorded corrosion advisories from June 2025. Surface rust in prescribed areas can escalate quickly on older vehicles, particularly if the car has been stored on damp ground or in coastal conditions. The gearbox oil weep deserves close monitoring too, a damp underside can worsen into a significant oil loss if seals harden further from lack of regular use. Inspect all brake hoses carefully, the corroded ferrules on the rear flexible hoses could indicate moisture ingress into the hose assembly, compromising braking efficiency under load. Tyre condition remains the most obvious recurring concern. Three consecutive tests from 2021 through 2023 flagged cracking, perishing, and edge wear on multiple tyres, suggesting the previous owner deferred replacement beyond sensible intervals. Even if tread depth appears adequate today, a 2009 vehicle likely needs fresh rubber regardless of remaining depth if the current tyres date from several years ago. Check the date stamps on each tyre and budget for a full set as part of any purchase negotiation.