2014 Toyota Yaris 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · OV64 ACO

The latest DVSA MOT test recorded a PASS outcome on 30 March 2026, which represents a successful retest following the failure recorded just six days earlier on 24 March 2026. The 2026 failure included several major defects centred on the anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicating an ABS fault, an insufficient windscreen washer supply, and an ineffective windscreen wiper, alongside the minor defect regarding the high-level stop lamp. These items appear to have been rectified prior to the retest, as the subsequent pass advisory list omits those specific majors and confirms only a near-side rear tyre advisory, a minor stop lamp issue, and a brake cable advisory. The maintenance trend over the available MOT history suggests a stable rather than deteriorating picture, with single pass entries in 2024 and 2025 interrupted only by isolated major defects, namely the rear wheel bearing roughness in 2025 and the ABS and wiper-related items in 2026. No pattern of structural corrosion, persistent lighting failures, or brake hydraulic faults has emerged, which is reassuring for a vehicle of this age. Recorded mileage stands at 64,036 miles across approximately twelve years, equating to an annual average of around 5,336 miles. This figure is notably below the typical mileage expectation for a 2014 Toyota Yaris, suggesting either predominantly light usage or extended periods of standing between uses. While lower annual mileage reduces wear on high-mileage components such as the clutch, drivetrain and internal engine wear surfaces, it also introduces age-related deterioration concerns. Vehicles that spend significant time stationary are particularly susceptible to brake disc corrosion, binding brake calipers, deteriorated rubber components, perished seals, and 12V battery degradation. The advisory history supports this, with references to brake disc wear and handbrake cable damage indicating components that may have suffered from infrequent operation rather than excessive service life. The advisories recorded across the 2026 tests warrant close attention during a pre-purchase inspection. The near-side rear tyre noted as worn close to the legal limit and on its edge should be checked for replacement urgency, as edge wear can also indicate suspension geometry issues, inflation irregularities, or tracking misalignment. A test drive should include firm straight-line braking to detect any pulling, vibration, or shudder through the pedal, which could indicate warped discs or uneven pad transfer, alongside careful observation of the ABS warning lamp during ignition and movement to confirm that the major defect from the 2026 failure has been comprehensively resolved rather than temporarily suppressed. The handbrake cable advisory noting casing damage on both sides suggests the mechanism has likely corroded or stiffened from underuse, and the cable should be inspected for fraying, stiffness when applied, and adequate holding force on an incline. Additionally, the rear wheel bearing roughness recorded as a major failure in March 2025 should be verified by listening for any humming or droning noise that varies with vehicle speed, particularly during cornering. Given the low annual mileage and the vehicle's twelve-year age, a prospective buyer should undertake several age-appropriate physical checks beyond the MOT record itself. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking and perishing, a common issue on low-mileage vehicles where the rubber degrades from age rather than wear; the offside rear tyre advisory from 2025 referencing slight cracking or perishing reinforces this concern. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as batteries in infrequently used vehicles often fail without warning after several years of shallow cycling. Brake discs should be visually inspected for surface corrosion and the calipers exercised to ensure they are not seized, while engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should be checked for condition and replacement dates, since calendar-based degradation affects these fluids regardless of mileage. The cooling system hoses, drive belts, and suspension bushes are all candidates for age-related hardening and cracking, and a thorough inspection beneath the vehicle for fluid staining or weeping components is strongly advised to confirm mechanical soundness consistent with the largely stable MOT history observed.