2002 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · SL52 SKO

The 2002 Toyota Yars holds a current MOT pass dated 14 March 2026 at 172,185 miles, yet the maintenance trend is best described as borderline rather than reassuring. That same day the vehicle failed on severely reduced light output from both headlamp lenses and a corroded rear axle, then passed only after remedial work. The rear axle corrosion advisory carried into the subsequent pass, and the nearside front shock absorber was flagged for reduced damping effect in both the March 2026 fail and pass entries. Taken together, the record suggests a vehicle kept legal but not proactively maintained, with structural corrosion and suspension wear left to accumulate between annual tests. Mileage progression is broadly consistent with light, steady use over the car's 24-year life. The car recorded 161,763 miles on 6 March 2024, 167,079 miles on 12 March 2025, and 172,185 miles on 14 March 2026, equating to roughly 5,300 to 5,400 miles per year over the most recent three-year window. No large gaps or sudden jumps appear in the supplied history, so there is no strong evidence of long-term standing or recent high-mileage use, though the record only covers the last three years and earlier history cannot be verified here. A buyer should treat the rear axle corrosion as the primary structural concern. Corrosion at this location on a 2002 Yaris often signals deeper rust in subframe mounting points or suspension attachment areas, and the fact that it remained an advisory across consecutive tests indicates it has not been investigated or treated. The nearside front shock absorber fault also warrants a close physical check, as reduced damping points to an aged damper that may compromise wet-road handling and tyre wear. Both headlamp lenses were flagged for severely reduced light output, meaning the lenses are likely heavily oxidised or internally deteriorated, and any replacement units should be verified for aim and beam pattern. Beyond the documented advisories, the 2025 failure for excessive nearside front track rod end play and an inefficient parking brake highlights steering and braking components that may have seen only minimal correction rather than full repair. Front brake discs were noted as worn and pitted in March 2024, and with no later mention they may have been replaced, but a buyer should confirm their current condition along with caliper operation and brake line condition. The repeated rear tyre cracking advisories across both 2025 tests suggest the car may spend extended periods stationary, making a thorough inspection of tyre age, sidewall condition, and suspension bushes essential before purchase.