2012 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · SP12 SCV

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 May 2026 resulted in a PASS, but the test was accompanied by five advisory notices, notably only one day after a previous failure. While the vehicle achieved a pass certificate, the rapid succession of advisories and a major defect one day prior suggests that the underlying mechanical condition is deteriorating rather than improving. Reviewing the broader history, the 2024 and 2023 tests were completely clean with no advisories recorded, indicating a previously well-maintained vehicle. The trend has clearly shifted over the last twelve months, with corrosion advisories on brake pipes appearing as early as 2025 and then escalating into a major coil spring failure in 2026. A prospective buyer should view this trajectory with caution, as multiple components are now flagged for attention. The recorded mileage of 89,809 miles over approximately fourteen years equates to an average annual usage of around 6,415 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and segment. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileages to suggest long periods of standing, nor does the figure indicate excessively high wear. This kind of average usage is generally favourable for longevity, particularly for a Toyota Yaris which is renowned for mechanical resilience. However, the mileage alone does not account for calendar-related degradation, and several advisories on the most recent test relate to corrosion and tyre perishing which are time-dependent issues rather than purely mileage-dependent ones. The most pressing concern from the MOT history is the offside front coil spring fracture recorded as a major failure, which would have required immediate replacement before the vehicle could pass. A fractured coil spring poses a serious safety risk, potentially causing loss of vehicle control or a punctured tyre if a broken section impacts the wheel arch. On a test drive, listen for any unusual knocking or clunking from the front suspension, particularly over uneven surfaces, and check for uneven ride height. Both front shock absorbers were also noted in 2025 as having corroded outer casings, and with general age, the suspension may feel less controlled or exhibit a bouncy, unsettled ride if dampers are worn. Given the vehicle's age, the entire suspension system, including strut top mounts, drop links, and anti-roll bar bushes, should be physically inspected by elevating the vehicle. The recurring brake pipe corrosion advisories across the nearside rear, nearside front, and offside front are particularly concerning for a fourteen-year-old vehicle, as brake lines are structural safety items and cannot legally have significant corrosion. Although the application of grease may have temporarily masked the issue, rusted brake pipes will eventually require sectional replacement to satisfy future MOT standards. A thorough inspection underneath the vehicle is essential, ideally on a ramp, to assess the full extent of any corrosion on the underbody and braking system. Additionally, the advisory regarding the offside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit on the shoulder suggests a possible tracking or suspension geometry issue, which should be investigated alongside the nearside rear tyre showing signs of perishing. Finally, given the calendar age, a buyer should independently verify the condition of age-sensitive items such as the twelve-volt battery, coolant strength, brake fluid hygroscopic content, and the timing chain, the latter being a known item on high-mileage Yaris engines that can present with a rattling noise on cold start.