2016 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · SS05 RAZ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 31 March 2026. While the overall history indicates a consistent pass rate, the maintenance trend is beginning to show signs of age-related deterioration. Earlier records focused on minor cosmetic defects such as a damaged mirror and reflector, but the most recent test has shifted toward mechanical concerns regarding the chassis and suspension, suggesting that the vehicle is entering a phase where preventative structural maintenance will be required. With a recorded mileage of 30,089 miles over approximately ten years, this Yaris has been used very sparingly, averaging roughly 3,000 miles per year. While this results in minimal wear on the engine and gearbox internals, such low usage often introduces specific risks associated with long periods of standing. This usage profile typically leads to the degradation of rubber components and the accumulation of surface corrosion, which can be more detrimental than the wear seen on a high-mileage vehicle. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the latest advisories regarding corrosion on both the nearside and offside front suspension arms. During a test drive, listen for any knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring, as this may indicate that the corrosion has progressed to the suspension bushes. Additionally, the 2021 advisory for pitted and scored front brake discs is a classic symptom of a vehicle that has sat idle in damp conditions. It is essential to check the current state of the discs for heavy corrosion and ensure the calipers are not binding, which would cause excessive heat and premature wear. Given the low annual mileage, a physical inspection of the tyres is mandatory to check for sidewall cracking or perishing, regardless of the remaining tread depth, as rubber degrades with age. The battery health should be verified, as infrequent short trips often fail to fully charge the cells, leading to premature failure. Finally, the buyer must verify the service history to ensure that oil and other essential fluids have been changed based on time intervals rather than mileage, as calendar-based degradation can lead to internal sludge buildup and reduced engine longevity.