2010 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · OV10 RYG

The 2010 Toyota Yaris received its latest MOT on 2026-04-17, passing with a single advisory related to obstructed visibility from items removed from the driver’s line of sight, alongside a defective near-side windscreen wiper blade. While the vehicle has otherwise maintained a clean record since the previous failure in 2024, the persistent presence of advisories—particularly those concerning lamp assemblies and obstructed vision—suggests either ongoing minor issues or a history of neglect in addressing earlier defects. The fact that the near-side front coil spring fractured in 2024 was a major failure, indicating a critical structural component had failed prematurely, which could have been exacerbated by either poor maintenance or excessive wear. This pattern raises concerns about the vehicle’s long-term suspension integrity, especially given the high mileage and the potential for secondary damage from the coil spring collapse. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 103,210 miles over approximately 16 years represents an average annual usage of around 6,451 miles, which is typical for a car of this age and class. However, the lack of a service history or service stamps in the MOT records suggests that the owner may have either driven the vehicle more sparingly over long periods or failed to maintain it regularly. The relatively low annual mileage could imply that the car has spent significant time stationary, which is particularly problematic for components like brakes, tyres, and the 12-volt battery, as standing can lead to corrosion, fluid degradation, or battery discharge. Additionally, the near-side rear wheel bearing showing slight play in 2020 indicates early signs of wear that, if unaddressed, could escalate into a more serious bearing failure or misalignment over time. Given the MOT history, the buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system, particularly the near-side front coil spring and associated strut assembly, as the fractured spring in 2024 was a major failure. On a test drive, listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, especially when cornering or over bumps, as these could indicate further suspension bush or strut wear. The near-side wheel bearing play from 2020 should be verified by checking for excessive wheel wobble or uneven tyre wear, particularly on the near-side rear wheel. Additionally, inspect the exhaust system for leaks or excessive vibration, as the vehicle’s age and mileage may have contributed to corrosion or wear in the catalytic converter or muffler. For the lamp-related advisories, ensure all exterior lighting is fully functional, as a non-operational registration plate lamp is a safety hazard and must be rectified immediately. Beyond the mechanical checks, the buyer should also address the standing-related issues by verifying the condition of the 12-volt battery, which may have degraded from prolonged disuse, and checking for signs of corrosion on terminals or connectors. Inspect the tyres for sidewall perishing or cracking, which can occur even at low mileage due to age-related vulcanisation breakdown, and ensure they meet the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm. The brakes should be checked for signs of corrosion or binding, particularly on the near-side components, as standing can cause rust buildup on discs or calipers. Finally, given the lack of service records, the buyer should consider a comprehensive service check, including fluid top-ups (brake, coolant, and transmission fluids), a filter replacement, and a general inspection of the drivetrain and undercarriage for leaks or damage. If the vehicle has been driven more heavily in the past, the wear on brakes, suspension, and tyres may have been accelerated, necessitating a more thorough mechanical review.