2020 Toyota Yaris 1.5L Petrol · SL20 VBX

Active mechanical degradation is evident in the most recent test history for this six-year-old hatchback, which culminated in a failure on 8th June 2026 for mismatched tyre sizes on the rear axle before passing on the same day once rectified, alongside fresh advisories noting a coolant leak at the radiator and a slightly noisy offside front wheel bearing. While earlier tests from 2023 and 2025 were completed with zero recorded defects, the 2024 inspection highlighted heavily lipped and corroded front brake discs coupled with thin brake pads, pointing to a recent trajectory where component wear requires closer attention. Accumulating 55,834 miles over its six-year lifespan yields an average of roughly 9,306 miles per year, representing a normal operational tempo that avoids the pitfalls of both severe high-mileage strain and prolonged sedentary storage. This usage rate indicates standard driving patterns typical of commuter or mixed social use, meaning the vehicle has experienced regular thermal cycles and standard urban and motorway wear without extended gaps in its DVSA testing sequence. Prospective buyers must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the cooling system and front running gear given the latest MOT advisories. During a static check, look closely at the radiator core and surrounding hoses for any crusty pink or green residue indicating coolant seepage, and check the expansion tank levels. On the test drive, listen carefully for a low-pitched humming or rumbling noise from the front end that changes pitch with vehicle speed, which would confirm the early-stage failure of the offside front wheel bearing noted by the examiner. You should also inspect the front braking system to verify whether the heavily lipped and pitted discs flagged in 2024 have since been replaced or if they remain close to their minimum thickness thresholds. Pay attention to the braking performance on your test drive, pressing firmly at various speeds to check for any shuddering through the pedal or directional pull. Finally, examine the rear axle tyre sizes to ensure they match the correct 195/50/16 specification required by the manufacturer, verifying that the tyre mismatch noted during the June 2026 test has been fully and correctly resolved.