2007 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · NU07 VUG

The most recent DVSA test on 16 September 2025 resulted in a PASS, but only after a prior failure four days earlier on 12 September 2025 caused by an imbalanced rear brake condition across axle two. That earlier failure was preceded by an even more serious dangerous defect recorded on 3 July 2025, where nearside rear inner suspension component mounting corrosion within the prescribed sill area was deemed to be adversely affecting control of the vehicle. Taken together, the recent history shows a clear worsening trend in structural and underbody condition, with corrosion advisories escalating across the 2023, 2024 and 2025 tests, and the sub-frame as well as rear axle and sill mounting areas all flagged as progressively deteriorating. The current pass is contingent upon advisories that remain on record, meaning the underlying deterioration has not been rectified and any prospective buyer should treat the structural items as an active and ongoing concern rather than a resolved issue. Recorded mileage of 140,769 miles across approximately nineteen years equates to around 7,400 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and indicates regular rather than standing use. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the MOT history that would suggest long periods of inactivity, although the cadence of tests from 2022 onwards implies the vehicle has been kept in active road use throughout. At this mileage, mechanical wear on the drivetrain, clutch, suspension bushes, engine mounts and exhaust system should be expected, and high-mileage Yaris examples commonly present with oil seepage from the engine and gearbox, worn timing chain components and tired engine mountings. The recorded oil leak advisory from July 2025 is consistent with this profile and should be monitored for progression. The recurring brake disc advisories across both front and rear axles, combined with the recent imbalanced rear brake failure, are particularly relevant. Pitted and scored front discs indicate normal wear progression at this mileage and typically produce brake shudder under heavy application, while the rear disc wear and imbalance point to either uneven pad wear, a binding caliper or a hydraulic issue that should be rectified immediately. On a test drive, listen for any scraping noises, feel for pulling to one side under braking, and check that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline. The anti-roll bar ball joint play noted on the offside front should also be assessed; excess movement here typically presents as a knocking or clunking noise over uneven surfaces and reduced body control during cornering, and replacement bushes or drop links are commonly required. Beyond the items already flagged, the structural corrosion pattern is the dominant concern for a buyer. Under-seal underseal was applied at some point as noted in 2023, but the underlying sill, floor and rear axle mounting corrosion has continued to advance and is now reaching the threshold of prescribed area failure. A thorough physical inspection on a ramp is strongly recommended, paying close attention to the rear axle mounting points, inner sills, jacking points and sub-frame for any perforation or thinning metal. The 2007 Yaris is also now nineteen years old, so regardless of MOT history a buyer should verify tyre sidewalls for age-related perishing and cracking, inspect the 12V battery for holding charge, check all fluid service intervals particularly brake fluid and coolant which degrade with calendar age, and confirm cam belt or timing chain replacement history as these are critical service items on high-mileage examples of this model.