2016 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · OU16 MPY

The 2016 Toyota Yaris has recently failed its MOT test on 2025-06-04 with two dangerous failures related to both near-side and offside rear tyres falling below the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, indicating a critical road safety issue that must be addressed immediately. This failure follows a pattern of consistent MOT compliance from 2019 through 2024, suggesting that prior maintenance had been adequate, but the recent test reveals a sudden and severe deviation from that trend. The absence of other defects or advisories in the earlier MOTs implies that the tyre wear issues are likely isolated to this particular set of tyres, potentially due to uneven loading, excessive cornering forces, or premature wear from environmental factors such as road debris or aggressive driving. Buyers should be cautious, as this failure could stem from either poor tyre maintenance by the previous owner or an underlying suspension or alignment issue that exacerbates uneven tyre wear. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 83,948 miles at the time of this assessment represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 8,395 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a 10-year-old car with typical UK driving conditions. This figure does not suggest either excessive wear from high mileage or prolonged idling, which could accelerate corrosion or fluid degradation. However, the absence of mileage stamps in the service history may indicate either infrequent servicing or a lack of record-keeping, which could mean that consumables like brake pads, suspension components, and fluids may have been replaced at irregular intervals. The 2023 advisory regarding front brake pads being worn thin and the 2021 advisories on tyre wear close to the legal limit—particularly on the front tyres—highlight that brake and tyre systems have seen gradual wear over time, warranting closer attention to prevent further deterioration. To proceed with a thorough inspection, the prospective buyer should first verify the condition of the rear tyres, as the recent MOT failure underscores the need for immediate replacement if they remain below the legal tread depth. Look for signs of uneven wear patterns, such as central tread loss or cupping, which could indicate misalignment, suspension issues, or improper tyre inflation. On a test drive, listen for clunking noises from the rear suspension, which may suggest worn suspension bushes or damaged coil springs, and monitor for vibration or pulling, which could signal alignment or steering component wear. The front tyres, while not failing the MOT, should be checked for sidewall cracking or perishing, which is more likely at this age, and for consistent wear across the tread. Additionally, inspect the front brake pads for complete wear and listen for grinding noises, which could indicate metal-on-metal contact if the pads are severely worn. Check the brake discs for corrosion, warping, or binding, particularly if the vehicle has been left standing for extended periods, as standing corrosion can cause calipers to seize. Beyond the mechanical checks, the buyer should also assess the vehicle’s fluid levels and condition, as fluid degradation can accelerate wear over time. Given the age of the car, the engine oil should be checked for contamination or sludge, and the coolant system inspected for leaks or corrosion, especially around the water pump and hoses. The differential and transmission fluids should be examined for darkening or sludge, which could signal fluid breakdown. The 12V battery should be tested for voltage output under load, as older cars are more prone to battery failure due to reduced internal resistance and increased parasitic draw. Finally, the service book should be reviewed for any missing or outdated service stamps, particularly for the suspension, brakes, and exhaust systems, which are critical at this mileage. If the service history is incomplete, consider scheduling a comprehensive inspection to address potential hidden wear, such as in the drivetrain, exhaust manifold, or electrical systems, which may not have been flagged in the MOT but could become problematic over time.