2016 Toyota Yaris 1.5L Hybrid electric · RO16 WJV

The 2016 Toyota Yaris presents a stable and reassuring mechanical picture as of its most recent MOT on 2 March 2026 at 34,079 miles. The vehicle has passed every recorded test, with no major failures or dangerous defects appearing across the entire history. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, though a recurring minor advisory regarding the nearside front tyre warrants attention. The most recent test flagged a cut in the outer wall of that tyre, which was not deep enough to reach the ply or cords at the time of inspection. This echoes a similar advisory from the November 2022 test at 28,066 miles, where the same tyre was noted for slight damage, cracking, or perishing. The replacement tyre fitted between 2022 and 2026 has since sustained a fresh cut, suggesting either an unfortunate run of minor damage or a vulnerability in that wheel's fitment or local road conditions. The record is otherwise exceptionally clean, with the only other advisory being a nearside rear child seat preventing a full adult seatbelt inspection in March 2026, a transient fitment issue rather than a mechanical fault. The mileage profile is notably low for a vehicle approaching ten years of age. Covering just 34,079 miles over roughly a decade equates to approximately 3,400 miles per year, well below the UK average. The progression is steady and consistent, with no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps. Between the February 2024 test at 30,861 miles and the March 2026 test at 34,079 miles, the car covered around 3,200 miles in just over two years, a modest but regular accumulation. The earlier history shows a similar gentle pace, moving from 26,943 miles in December 2021 to 28,066 miles in November 2022, then to 30,861 miles by February 2024. Such low annual use typically limits wear on consumable components like brake discs, pads, and suspension bushes, though prolonged periods of standing can introduce its own concerns, including flat-spotted tyres, seized brake calipers, and deteriorated rubber components. A buyer inspecting this Yaris in person should focus on the condition of the nearside front tyre and the surrounding wheel assembly. The repeated advisories on that specific tyre suggest it may be worth checking for a slow puncture, sidewall weakness, or alignment issues causing uneven loading. Given the low mileage and age, suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers should be examined for perishing or corrosion from prolonged static periods rather than high-mileage fatigue. The braking system deserves attention too, as infrequent use can lead to binding calipers or corroded discs despite low pad wear. The underbody and sills should be inspected for surface corrosion, particularly if the vehicle has spent extended periods stationary. The nearside rear seatbelt advisory from March 2026 is a simple fitment matter, but confirming the belt retracts and locks correctly once any child seat is removed is prudent. Overall, the MOT record reflects a carefully maintained, lightly used vehicle with no systemic mechanical concerns, making it a sound prospect subject to a standard pre-purchase inspection.