2020 Toyota Yaris 1.5L Petrol · VN20 CVJ

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 5 February 2026, resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that the vehicle met all statutory roadworthiness requirements at the time of inspection. Reviewing the available MOT history, which includes passes on 30 June 2023, 29 June 2024, and 5 February 2026, the maintenance trend appears consistently stable with a complete absence of advisory notes, warnings, or failures across all recorded tests. This uninterrupted run of clean results is a positive indicator, particularly for a vehicle approaching six years of age, as it suggests the previous keeper has addressed wear items proactively or that the car has not yet reached the mileage thresholds at which common components typically begin to flag on inspection. With a recorded mileage of 16,695 miles over an approximate six-year span, this Yaris has averaged around 2,782 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and well below the typical 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year expected of a privately owned supermini in the UK. While low mileage generally preserves major mechanical components such as the engine, transmission, and clutch, it does raise certain age-related concerns regarding components that degrade through calendar time rather than active use. The gap between the 2024 and 2026 MOT tests, covering roughly nineteen months, suggests the vehicle may have spent extended periods stationary, which can accelerate deterioration of rubber and electrical components irrespective of overall wear. Given the low annual usage and the clean MOT record, a prospective buyer should focus attention on time-sensitive degradation rather than distance-based wear. The tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as tyre rubber hardens and degrades with age even when tread depth remains adequate, and the spare or inflation kit should be verified as in date. Brake discs and calipers can suffer from surface corrosion and seizing when a vehicle is left standing for prolonged periods, so it is advisable to check for any roughness or binding when driving, and to confirm the handbrake holds firmly on an incline. The 12-volt battery is another common failure point on low-mileage cars, particularly if the vehicle has been used primarily for short journeys, and its resting voltage and date code should be examined, with consideration given to a precautionary replacement if it is the original unit. Finally, attention should be given to fluid and service items that follow calendar-based replacement schedules rather than mileage intervals. Engine oil and filter, coolant, brake fluid, and the automatic or manual transmission fluid should be verified as recently renewed according to the manufacturer's time-based recommendations, and the service book or digital service history should be examined for consistent stamps at appropriate intervals. The exhaust system, including the catalyst, should be inspected for external corrosion at mounting points and joints, as Yorkshire-style road salt exposure over six winters can compromise structural integrity even on well-kept vehicles. A thorough test drive listening for any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces, feeling for brake shudder, and observing for any warning lights on the dashboard will further confirm the apparent sound mechanical condition reflected in the MOT history.