2009 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · SL59 WXM

A mechanically straightforward and encouraging roadworthiness profile emerges from the 2009 Toyota Yaris's MOT history. Across three consecutive annual test cycles covering 2024 through early 2026, the vehicle has alternated cleanly between pass and pre-test failure outcomes without a single advisory or defect entry being recorded on either side of the assessment. The most recent pass on 12 February 2026 followed a same-week failure on 9 February 2026, almost certainly reflecting an unrecorded advisory or minor item rectified immediately prior to retest rather than any meaningful mechanical deterioration, and the same pass-after-fail pattern was repeated in early 2024. The complete absence of advisories across all five entries is unusual for a 17-year-old car and suggests a structurally and mechanically tidy example, though the lack of recorded defects should not be taken as proof that consumables and wear items remain in as-new condition. The recorded odometer reading of 100,545 miles against a 2009 build date equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 5,914 miles, which is notably below average for the vehicle's age and cohort. This lower-than-average usage can take two mechanical directions: in the best case it reflects light, gentle running that has preserved interior trim, brake components, clutch material and tyre shoulders, while in less favourable instances it can indicate extended periods of standing that expose the car to moisture ingress, brake disc corrosion, dry-rotted rubber boots and bushes, and a depleted 12V battery. The annual test cadence through 2024, 2025 and 2026, with no multi-year gaps, suggests the vehicle has been kept on the road consistently and not laid up for any prolonged interval, which is reassuring. The mileage progression between tests is also steady, with no sudden spikes that might suggest a recent long-distance commute or a clocked reading, lending credibility to the recorded figure. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means there is no specific component flagged on paper to focus on, but the test drive itself should concentrate on the areas most commonly affected on a Yaris of this vintage and mileage. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, paying particular attention to the anti-roll bar bushes, lower suspension arms and drop links, as worn linkages are typical on this platform. On the move, check for pulling to either side under firm braking, which can indicate corroded or unevenly worn front brake discs, and feel for any judder through the steering wheel that would point to disc runout. At low speed, a firm and even handbrake with no excessive travel is worth confirming, and a visual check of the front disc faces through the wheels should reveal clean, unworn surfaces without heavy lipping. Beyond the chassis and braking components, a careful inspection around the engine bay and underside is worthwhile given the vehicle's age. Look for any signs of oil misting or seepage around the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing, which are common areas on the Yaris 1.0 and 1.3 engines, and check the coolant expansion tank for staining that might suggest a past or present head gasket concern. From beneath, examine the exhaust system for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers, particularly the front pipe flex and the rear silencer hangers. Tyres should be checked for even shoulder wear across both sides of each axle, as uneven wear can reveal tracking or suspension geometry issues not yet severe enough to flag at MOT. With no recorded defects to chase, this example appears to be a clean, low-mileage Yaris, and a thorough physical inspection and test drive should confirm whether its mechanical condition genuinely matches its unblemished test history.