2016 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · PL16 AAJ

The 2016 Toyota Yaris has passed its most recent MOT test on 2025-12-13, with a clean overall result aside from several recurring advisories that do not affect roadworthiness. The pattern of MOT outcomes over the past four years reveals a stable maintenance history, with the vehicle consistently passing tests despite persistent issues. The advisories—particularly those related to suspension corrosion, worn suspension bushes, and altered headlight adjustments—are non-failing conditions that indicate routine wear but do not compromise structural integrity or safety. The fact that the vehicle has passed every MOT since 2022 without major failures suggests that while some components are approaching their operational limits, the car remains in a functional state. However, the presence of repeated near-term advisories, especially concerning the suspension and tyres, indicates that the owner should address these issues promptly to prevent escalation into more costly repairs. The recorded mileage of 70,753 miles for a ten-year-old vehicle represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 7,075 miles per year, which is within the expected range for this age and model. This level of usage is neither exceptionally light nor excessively heavy, but it does imply that the car has undergone consistent, albeit not extreme, operational stress. Lower mileage might suggest periods of inactivity or less frequent driving, which can lead to issues such as standing corrosion on suspension components or fluid degradation from stagnation. Conversely, higher mileage would accelerate wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension elements, but the current mileage does not suggest rapid deterioration. The absence of significant mileage gaps in the MOT history further supports a steady usage profile, though the owner should still monitor for signs of accelerated wear if driving patterns change. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the suspension and tyres, given their recurring advisories and wear patterns. The nearside and offside front lower suspension arms show signs of corrosion but are not seriously weakened, so visual checks for rust progression and any signs of binding or excessive movement during a test drive are essential. Listen for unusual clunking or rattling when driving over bumps, as this could indicate worn suspension bushes or damaged coil springs. The rear coil spring on the near side has also been noted as corroded, so inspecting for stiffness, bulging, or excessive sag when the vehicle is stationary or on a slope is advisable. Tyres are particularly critical, with three of the four currently worn to or near the legal limits, and one showing signs of cracking or perishing. Check tyre tread depth with a legal depth gauge, ensuring all four have sufficient tread remaining, and look for uneven wear patterns that could signal alignment or suspension issues. On a test drive, watch for uneven tyre wear, pulling to one side, or a vibration that may correlate with misaligned tyres or worn suspension components. Beyond the immediate advisories, the buyer should also conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s fluid levels and condition, as well as structural and standing corrosion risks. Given the age and usage, the 12V battery should be tested for voltage output and overall health, particularly if the car has been stationary for extended periods. Check for signs of corrosion around the battery terminals and cables, and consider a professional battery test to confirm capacity. The brake system should be inspected for signs of corrosion on discs and linings, as well as any binding in the calipers, which can occur if the vehicle stands in one position for prolonged periods. Fluid levels, including brake fluid, coolant, and differential/transmission fluid, should be topped up and visually inspected for contamination or discolouration, as these fluids degrade over time even with regular use. Finally, the owner should verify that the vehicle’s service history includes scheduled maintenance such as oil changes, timing belt replacement (if applicable), and suspension servicing, as these records can provide further insight into the vehicle’s upkeep. If the service book is missing or incomplete, the buyer should request a full service history to ensure the car has been maintained according to Toyota’s recommended intervals.