2009 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · WJ59 FDF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward increasing mechanical neglect as the car ages. The most recent test in February 2025 at 140,632 miles highlighted deteriorating issues in the braking and suspension systems. While the front brake discs are pitted and scored, the rear service brakes only marginally met legal requirements, indicating a need for adjustment or repair. The presence of corrosion on the rear suspension mounting area suggests the beginning of structural surface rust that will require close monitoring moving forward. At 140,632 miles, the Yaris has averaged approximately 8,272 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for a 17-year-old vehicle. The record shows a period of high maintenance between 2014 and 2019, where no defects were recorded. However, since 2020, the vehicle has suffered multiple MOT failures due to avoidable items such as worn tyres, registration plates, and de-out components. This pattern suggests that the current owner may be treating the vehicle reactively, only addressing faults after they fail a test rather than performing preventative maintenance. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension components. The tester flagged pitted front discs and marginal rear brakes in 2025, so a check for binding calipers or uneven pad wear is essential. The history of a deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover in 2023 and previous issues with steering rack gaiters in 2021 indicates that rubber bushes and joints are reaching the end of their service life. Given the reported corrosion on the rear suspension mounting points, checking for deeper structural rot on the chassis is vital to ensure the integrity of the vehicle is not compromised.