2016 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · SA66 THG

A decade-old Toyota Yaris carrying just 25,006 miles presents a roadworthiness profile that is largely clean but punctuated by one notable mechanical event, with the most recent test on 26 August 2026 returning a pass with no advisories or defects recorded. Across eight recorded tests since 2020, the vehicle has passed seven times with no defects, indicating a stable presentation at the annual inspection. The single failure recorded on 5 September 2023 is significant, however, as it identified a major defect: a nearside front hydraulic brake calliper leaking, a sealed hydraulic component failure that would have resulted in a loss of braking fluid pressure on that wheel. The fact that the very same test date also shows a pass entry suggests the failure was rectified on site or immediately prior to a retest, and no further brake-related advisories have appeared in the three tests since, which is a positive indicator that the repair was durable. Against a ten-year vehicle age, the recorded mileage equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 2,500 miles, which is low and consistent with light-duty use, a second household car, or a vehicle that has experienced extended periods of inactivity between drives. There are no large gaps in the testing record and no sudden mileage jumps between consecutive tests, suggesting the odometer reading has progressed steadily rather than through a cluster of high-mileage journeys. From a mechanical standpoint, this low-usage pattern reduces wear on high-cycle components such as the clutch, gearbox synchros, and engine internals, but it does heighten the risk of deterioration in items that suffer from prolonged standing: brake calliper seals, as evidenced here, are particularly prone to seizing or leaking after long inactivity, and corrosion can advance on brake discs, exhaust mounting points, and underbody steel without regular use to keep surfaces dry. The single recorded calliper leak may be directly symptomatic of this low-usage profile. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection and test drive specifically on the braking system, given the recorded calliper failure. On inspection, check the nearside front calliper for any signs of dampness, dust accumulation around the piston seal, or uneven pad wear indicating the slider mechanism may be binding. Lift-test both front wheels by hand if possible; the nearside wheel should rotate freely without resistance or grinding. On the road, listen for any rhythmic scraping or squealing from the front nearside, and pay close attention to pedal feel under firm application, watching for a soft or spongy bite point that could indicate air ingress or residual seal weeping. Check that the vehicle pulls up squarely without pulling to one side under braking, and inspect the front brake disc surface for an uneven lip or pitting that would suggest the disc has been contaminated or overheated. Beyond the brake calliper concern, the low recorded mileage warrants particular attention to the ancillary systems that degrade with standing rather than with use. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocking over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which could indicate perished bushes or seized strut mounts that have aged without the benefit of regular working. Test the cooling system by ensuring the heater delivers consistent warm air and watch the temperature gauge for any creeping rise in traffic. Verify that all electronic functions operate correctly, including infotainment, climate control, and power windows, as intermittent use can lead to dried-out solder joints and failing switch contacts. Finally, given the high ratio of standing time to driving time, an oil and filter change is overdue regardless of the odometer, and a coolant and brake fluid refresh should be considered prudent before relying on the vehicle for regular use.