2014 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · SC14 YRJ

A pattern of suspension-related wear emerges as the defining mechanical theme of this Toyota Yaris. Across the recorded tests, Macpherson strut corrosion on the front axle has appeared repeatedly, and rear axle swivel pins and bushes have been flagged as slightly worn at the most recent assessment. A more serious suspension failure occurred in August 2022 when the nearside front coil spring fractured, resulting in an immediate MOT failure; this was rectified before a pass was recorded the same day. Tyre condition has also featured twice, with dangerously low tread depth recorded on both front tyres in August 2023 and advisories for edge wear noted in September 2025. The latest test on 31 August 2026 resulted in a pass, though it is worth noting the vehicle initially failed on the same date due to an inoperative offside front position lamp, which was apparently rectified before a subsequent pass was issued. The accumulation of suspension advisories alongside historical failures suggests a chassis and undercarriage that warrants close physical inspection. With twelve years on the road and 80,237 recorded miles, the Yaris has averaged roughly 6,686 miles annually, a figure broadly consistent with typical commuter use for a vehicle of this age. The testing history shows annual assessments with no multi-year gaps, indicating continuous use rather than extended periods of standing. Mechanical implications of this usage profile include steady wear on consumable braking components, progressive degradation of rubber suspension bushes, and gradual corrosion of exposed underbody metal, all of which align with the advisories recorded. The absence of any very high single-year mileage spikes suggests no periods of unusually intensive use such as towing or long-distance motorway work, though the annual accumulation is sufficient that normal service intervals for items like brake fluid, coolant, and drive belts will have been reached multiple times over. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the Macpherson strut condition, as surface corrosion noted at successive tests can progress toward structural weakening of the strut body, especially around the spring seat and lower mounting points. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or crashiness through the steering on rough roads, which can indicate worn strut internals. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes flagged at the latest test should be evaluated by rocking each rear wheel laterally at the top and bottom to detect play, and by listening for any creaking or rubbing from the rear suspension over bumps. Given that both front tyres were deemed dangerous in 2023 and borderline at the next test, current tyre condition, including age-related sidewall cracking and even wear across the tread, should be verified, and the wheels checked for any residual vibration at speed that might suggest tracking or suspension geometry issues stemming from the worn components. Additional inspection points should focus on the braking system, which has not featured in the advisory record but is subject to wear at this mileage. On test, verify that the car pulls up squarely without pulling to one side, that the brake pedal feels firm without excessive travel, and that there is no judder under heavy braking which could indicate warped front discs. The underbody should be examined on a ramp for any advanced corrosion, paying close attention to the strut towers, subframe mounting points, rear axle beam, and brake and fuel lines, as the recorded strut corrosion hints at broader underbody exposure to road salt. Finally, confirm full service history documentation, with particular emphasis on whether the timing chain, coolant, and brake fluid have been changed at manufacturer-recommended intervals, and verify that the position lamp defect leading to the 31 August 2026 failure was a simple bulb replacement rather than an indicator of underlying wiring concerns.