2012 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · VF12 KVO

The 2012 Toyota Yaris holds a current MOT valid until March 2027, following a clean pass on 20 March 2026 at 86,748 miles with zero defects recorded. That same day also saw a failed test at the identical mileage, where the tester flagged a non-functioning rear fog lamp and a deteriorated nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. Both are minor, easily rectified items, and the subsequent pass confirms they were addressed promptly. The maintenance trend is broadly stable. The car has passed four of its last five tests at the first attempt, and the sole failure involved no serious mechanical or structural risk. The mileage progression tells a consistent story. Between the March 2023 test at 59,111 miles and the March 2026 test at 86,748 miles, the car covered roughly 27,600 miles in three years, averaging around 9,200 miles annually over that period. That is higher than the 6,196 miles-per-year lifetime average, suggesting more recent use has intensified. The jump from 76,400 miles in March 2025 to 86,748 miles in March 2026 alone accounts for over 10,000 miles in a single year. No significant gaps appear in the record, and the annual testing pattern is regular. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components. The recurring advisory and failure item around the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage dust cover points to a joint that has been exposed to dirt ingress. While the immediate defect was corrected, the underlying ball joint and bush should be checked for play or wear, as contamination accelerates deterioration. The 2025 advisory on nearside front tyre tread depth at 3mm, close to the 1.6mm legal minimum, suggests the car may be pulling slightly or that alignment needs attention. A four-wheel alignment check would be prudent. The rear fog lamp fault is trivial but worth verifying during a test drive to confirm all exterior lighting functions correctly. Beyond the documented items, a thorough underbody inspection is advisable given the car's age. Examine the sills, subframe mounting points, and brake lines for corrosion, particularly if the vehicle has spent time in areas using road salt. The exhaust system should be checked for corrosion at joints and hoses, and both front and rear brake discs and pads should be measured against Toyota's wear specifications given the elevated recent mileage. The coil springs and shock absorbers should be inspected for sag or weeping. Overall, the MOT record reflects a well-maintained vehicle with no structural or safety-critical red flags, but the increased annual mileage warrants closer attention to consumable wear items.