2021 Toyota Yaris Design HEV CVT 1.5L Hybrid electric · NG71 AAY

The 2021 Toyota Yaris Design HEV CVT most recently passed its MOT test on 18 November 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents the cleanest possible outcome under the DVSA testing regime. The previous test on 21 November 2024 also resulted in a pass with no recorded defects, meaning the vehicle has now compiled two consecutive clean examinations with no advisories, warnings, or failure items. This consistent pattern of defect-free testing suggests that the car has been maintained to a satisfactory standard and that no significant mechanical, structural, or safety-related issues have been identified by the official testing authority during recent assessments. The overall maintenance trend therefore appears stable and reassuring, with no evidence of deterioration between tests. With 41,261 miles recorded over approximately five years, this Yaris has covered roughly 8,252 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and segment. This level of usage is consistent with a mix of urban commuting, short journeys, and occasional longer trips, rather than a primarily motorway-driven or fleet-operated profile. For a self-charging hybrid of this generation, the relatively moderate annual mileage is mechanically favourable, as it generally implies a balanced mix of hybrid system cycling, regenerative braking activity, and petrol engine running. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage progression or signs of rapid accumulation that would suggest harsh usage, towing, or commercial application, all of which can accelerate wear on suspension, braking, and drivetrain components. Despite the clean MOT record, a prospective buyer should still carry out several age- and mileage-appropriate physical checks before purchase. The tyres warrant close inspection for sidewall perishing or cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and a five-year-old vehicle may have ageing tyres even if the tread appears adequate. The 12-volt auxiliary battery, which supports the hybrid system control electronics and is often neglected in hybrids because the high-voltage traction battery overshadows it, should be tested for state of charge and cranking performance, as these typically require replacement every four to six years. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for surface corrosion or seizing, particularly given that hybrid vehicles rely heavily on regenerative braking, which can lead to rear calipers binding or discs corroding from infrequent manual application. A test drive should include a firm stop from moderate speed to check for brake shudder, judder, or pulling to one side, all of which would indicate warped discs or sticking calipers. Further inspection points include listening for suspension knocks or clonks over uneven road surfaces, which would point to worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or top mount deterioration, and checking for any fluid leaks beneath the vehicle after standing overnight, particularly from the rear of the hybrid transaxle or around the engine oil pan. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and hybrid inverter coolant should be confirmed as within their manufacturer service intervals, as these fluids degrade with time rather than solely with mileage, and a five-year-old hybrid should ideally have had at least one brake fluid change due to its hygroscopic nature. The hybrid system warning lights and energy flow display should be observed during startup to confirm normal initialisation, and a steady-state drive should be undertaken to verify smooth transitions between electric and petrol propulsion. Verifying a full main dealer or specialist service history with corresponding stamps will further reinforce confidence in the mechanical condition of this otherwise well-presented example.