2010 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · SG10 AEF

The Toyota Yaris in question presents a stable but irregular MOT history, with the most recent test in January 2025 at 152,674 miles passing without defects—a positive indicator of current roadworthiness. However, the December 2024 failure at 152,615 miles, occurring just three weeks prior, raises immediate questions, particularly since no defects were recorded. This suggests a procedural or administrative issue rather than a mechanical one, yet it implies the vehicle may have been driven without a valid MOT for over six months—from January 2025 to July 2026. The repeated failures in December 2023 at identical mileages (148,764) further highlight a pattern of late-year testing, with no clear evidence of progressive mechanical deterioration. The absence of advisories or defects across all tests points to a vehicle that has avoided serious structural or safety-critical issues, but the lack of recent maintenance beyond MOT compliance is concerning. The mileage accumulation of approximately 9,542 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a 16-year-old vehicle, though the clustering of tests around December suggests seasonal or opportunistic MOT scheduling rather than regular servicing. The gap between the 2022 test (146,120 miles) and the 2023 failures (148,764 miles) indicates a two-year interval without recorded MOTs, which is unusual for a vehicle in regular use. This could imply periods of low mileage or, alternatively, that the car was not actively maintained beyond the minimum legal requirements. The absence of mileage spikes or dramatic drops suggests no extreme usage patterns, but the lack of servicing records means wear on components like suspension bushes, brake fluid, and timing belts cannot be verified. For a prospective buyer, the primary focus should be on verifying the vehicle’s structural integrity, particularly corrosion in wheel arches, suspension mounts, and underbody components, given the age and the sparse maintenance history. The repeated MOT failures without defects may mask underlying issues, so a thorough inspection of brake systems—including caliper binding, disc thickness, and pad wear—is essential, as is checking for uneven tyre tread or signs of irregular suspension wear. Given the December testing pattern, it’s also prudent to confirm the last full service date, especially for items like the timing belt, which typically requires replacement every 60,000–100,000 miles. The absence of recorded advisories does not guarantee these components are in good condition, so a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly advised.