2004 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · RL04 BZP

A pronounced pattern of accumulating structural and safety defects characterises this 22-year-old Toyota Yaris, with the October 2024 test producing a particularly concerning failed outcome. That inspection recorded two dangerous brake hose failures on both front sides, a dangerous nearside front tyre with structural separation, and a dangerous rear exhaust silencer likely to become detached. The condition of the brake hoses represents a serious safety failure rather than a borderline advisory, and the fact that the rear exhaust was previously flagged with a minor gas leak in 2023 and progressed to an imminent detachment within twelve months suggests the underbody has not received routine corrosion inspection or replacement of vulnerable components. Prior to the 2024 failure, the vehicle had accumulated a steady trail of advisories across three consecutive tests, particularly surrounding front brake pad wear and anti-roll bar linkage deterioration, indicating that the braking and suspension systems were being allowed to deteriorate without intervention. With 133,533 miles recorded across approximately 22 years of life, this Yaris has averaged around 6,070 miles annually, placing it broadly in line with typical usage rates for its age. The MOT history displays annual testing continuity from 2021 onwards with no extended gaps, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up, which is positive for component longevity and seals, particularly on the drivetrain. However, the cumulative mileage still represents significant wear on consumable items, and the pattern of advisories across multiple components demonstrates that wear-related degradation is now accelerating on this chassis. The mileage context combined with the dangerous brake hose failures implies that rubber hydraulic lines, which are typically rated for around ten to fifteen years of service, have reached the end of their functional lifespan and require full replacement regardless of whether the immediate failure point has been repaired. A prospective buyer should approach this vehicle with a focus on verifying whether the dangerous brake hoses, the failed tyre, and the detached exhaust have been professionally replaced with documented parts invoices, as a dangerous failure items list cannot simply be left unaddressed. Beyond the immediate failure points, the recurring advisories for front anti-roll bar linkage pins and bushes across the 2022 and 2023 tests suggest that the front stabiliser system has ongoing wear, and on a test drive the buyer should listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as well as checking for any looseness when pushing down firmly on each front corner with the vehicle stationary. The 2024 advisory for a slightly damaged or perished offside front tyre, even as an advisory rather than failure, hints that the wheels and tyres on this car warrant close inspection for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which can indicate worn suspension bushes or tracking misalignment caused by the deteriorating anti-roll bar components. Braking performance demands particular attention given the dangerous brake hose failures, which are often caused by internal hose deterioration, external chafing, or corrosion at the metal-to-rubber union. On a test drive, the buyer should test the brakes at both low and higher speeds, feeling for any sponginess in the pedal that could indicate air ingress from a compromised hose, and listening for any binding or dragging from the front calipers. The 2023 advisory for rear exhaust gas leakage and the 2024 dangerous silencer condition strongly suggest that the entire exhaust system, including mounting rubbers and the rear silencer box itself, should be physically inspected from underneath for corrosion holes, loose hangers, and structural integrity. Finally, the minor headlamp lens defect noted in 2022, combined with the nearside headlamp product on the lens advisory from 2021, indicates some UV degradation of the polycarbonate headlamp covers; while cosmetic, this can reduce night-time light output and is worth checking by viewing the lamps against a wall in a dark garage to ensure beam pattern and brightness remain adequate.