2010 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · RJ59 LKZ

The Toyota Yaris presents a mixed roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT history showing a concerning pattern of recurring mechanical failures despite passing its last test just days before. The April 2025 failure—barely a month before the current date—reveals serious structural and safety issues: a fractured nearside front coil spring, a critical suspension defect that would compromise handling and tyre wear, alongside two front tyres with illegal tread depths below 1.6mm. The engine management light (MIL) also indicated an unresolved malfunction, suggesting either ignored faults or deferred repairs. While the immediate retest passed without defects, the proximity of this failure to today raises questions about whether the coil spring was replaced or if other latent issues remain unaddressed. Mileage accumulation has been steady but not aggressive, averaging around 8,763 miles per year over 16 years, which aligns with typical usage for this age group. The gaps between tests are irregular: the vehicle sat for nearly a year between the 2024 and 2023 failures (124,814 to 112,085 miles), suggesting either infrequent driving or a period of non-use. The rapid mileage gain between the two 2023 tests—just 6 miles over a day—points to a possible clerical error or an unusually short test interval, though the 2025 failures at 140,207 miles confirm the car was still in active use. There’s no evidence of extreme high-mileage abuse, but the suspension and brake failures imply that routine checks were overlooked. For a buyer, the fractured coil spring demands immediate attention—this is a structural component that, if left unrepaired, risks sudden failure and loss of control. The repeated brake pad failures (last noted in June 2023) suggest either aggressive driving or neglected servicing; verify if the pads were replaced and whether the discs show excessive wear or warping. The tyres, though now compliant, were previously at legal limits twice in quick succession, hinting at a history of deferred replacements. Inspect the rear brakes for binding, as the 2025 MIL fault could relate to ABS or hydraulic issues, and check for corrosion or fluid leaks under the bonnet. The absence of defects in the 2024 and 2023 passes is misleading—the car has a history of critical failures that weren’t resolved before retesting. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is essential to confirm all highlighted issues are fully addressed.