2007 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · PK57 MWJ

The 2007 Toyota Yaris presents a mechanical picture dominated by recurring failures at the front drive shaft constant velocity joint assemblies, compounded by persistent exhaust system leakage across multiple test cycles. The latest MOT conducted on 2025-10-13 resulted in a pass, yet the record reveals a pattern of persistent deterioration at the offside front drive shaft joint where the constant velocity boot has been found severely deteriorated or split on four separate occasions between 2021 and 2025. Alongside this, the rear exhaust system has produced a minor leak each time it was tested starting from 2022 through 2025, indicating a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents. The overall trend therefore reads as a stable but problematic chassis assembly that requires attention, with the drive shaft linkage being the single most recurrent failure point throughout the vehicle's recent history despite the most recent passing result. The recorded mileage of 69,917 miles on a 2007 model equates to approximately 3,680 miles per annum, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age and raises questions about the nature of the vehicle's usage profile. While the regularity of MOT tests—spaced roughly every nine months from late 2022 through mid-2025—suggests the owner attended inspections diligently, the slow accumulation rate implies either infrequent driving, extended periods of storage, or perhaps a combination of both. Such a usage pattern would normally reduce normal wear on suspension bushings, brake components, and drivetrain parts, yet the persistent deterioration of the drive shaft boots and continued rear exhaust leakage indicate that underlying structural issues remain active regardless of how little the car has actually been driven. The low mileage does not mitigate these problems because they stem from the components themselves degrading under stress rather than simply from high utilisation. Focusing on the specific components flagged in the MOT history, the offside front drive shaft constant velocity boot appears to be the critical weak point, having failed three times consecutively across 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025. On a test drive, the buyer should pay close attention to whether the vehicle develops any audible clunking or rattling when navigating bumps or uneven surfaces, as this is the hallmark symptom of a compromised constant velocity joint bearing. Additionally, the rear fuel pipe has been recorded as corroded on two separate occasions (2023 and 2024), so visual inspection of the pipe junctions and a check for any signs of leaking fluid or rust should be performed before acceptance. The nearside rear tyres have also shown damage including cracking or perishing, while the front outer tyres exhibit cuts that may be superficial but require measurement against legal limits and inspection for deeper delamination. The front brake discs show signs of wear with pitting or scoring, and the pads are thin, suggesting that even though the odometer reads low, the braking system has seen significant wear over the years. Beyond the highlighted systems, the persistent exhaust gas leak reported across four different tests from 2022 onward warrants confirmation of its resolution status, as a continuing leak can lead to increased emissions and potential engine contamination if left unaddressed. The registration plate deterioration noted in several years, while currently described as not likely to cause misreading, represents a non-functional item that affects the vehicle's compliance status and should be verified. Given the pattern of recurring drive shaft boot failures and the ongoing exhaust issue, the buyer should request proof that all prior advisories—particularly the drive shaft boot deterioration and the rear fuel pipe corrosion—have been properly repaired and inspected. A thorough test drive paying particular attention to suspension behaviour over rough terrain, combined with a careful visual examination of the affected components, will provide the practical insight needed to determine whether this Yaris remains a viable investment or requires substantial remediation.