2001 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · RO51 OVC

The most recent MOT record, dated 4 November 2021 at 136,924 miles, shows a pass, but the same test day also logged a failure for a non-functioning offside front position lamp. This indicates a minor electrical defect was rectified within the same session. No subsequent test exists, meaning the certificate has been expired for over four years as of June 2026. The maintenance trend cannot be classed as stable or improving; it is effectively unknown beyond late 2021, and the vehicle cannot be considered legally roadworthy without a fresh test. Mileage accumulation tells a clear story. Between 1 November 2019 at 124,334 miles and 12 November 2020 at 130,067 miles, the Yaris covered 5,733 miles in a year. By 4 November 2021 it had reached 136,924 miles, adding 6,857 miles in the following twelve months. This is slightly above the implied long-term average of roughly 5,477 miles per year for a vehicle of this age, but not dramatically so. The more significant point is that the recorded mileage has remained frozen at 136,924 since November 2021. Either the car has been standing unused for nearly five years, or the mileage data is incomplete. A stationary vehicle of this age carries its own risks: perished rubber seals, dried-out fluid circuits, and latent corrosion in brake lines and structural members. Corrosion is the recurring theme in the historical record. The 2019 test flagged corrosion on both nearside and offside rear inner suspension mounting prescribed areas, noted as sill corrosion, though not deemed excessive at that time. The 2021 test recorded a corroded rear axle, again assessed as not excessive. These are structural locations rather than cosmetic surface rust, and their repeated appearance suggests the car has spent time in conditions that promote underbody deterioration. A prospective buyer should inspect the rear subframe mounting points, sill sections, and axle assembly with particular care, checking for section loss or fresh underseal masking older decay. Beyond corrosion, the failure for a misaligned offside headlamp aim in 2019 hints at possible front-end disturbance, whether from minor collision contact or suspension sag. With no recent test to confirm the condition of brakes, exhaust emissions, or steering and suspension bushes after years of potential inactivity, a full underbody inspection and a current MOT are essential before any purchase decision.