2001 Toyota Corolla 1.6L Petrol · Y158 ABV
2001 Toyota Corolla (1.6L, petrol). First registered 31 May 2001. Recorded mileage 96,120 miles. MOT valid until 06 Feb 2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA COROLLA
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- SORN (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 96,120 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
Y158 ABV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/01/2026
- 96,120 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
Y158 ABV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Toyota Corolla (Y158 ABV) between January 2023 and January 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 31 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Bodywork (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Y158 ABV Mileage History
- 24/01/202382,412 mi
- 07/02/202487,000 mi+4,588 mi
- 07/02/202590,600 mi+3,600 mi
- 31/01/202696,120 mi+5,520 mi
- 31/01/202696,120 mi
Average of roughly 4,539 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and budget for immediate maintenance. While the mileage is relatively low for its age, the recurring corrosion issues and oil leaks suggest this vehicle requires significant attention to remain roadworthy.
Your primary focus should be on the structural integrity of the car. The most recent MOT advisory notes corrosion on both outer sills, which is a serious matter. You should negotiate the price downwards to account for potential welding or structural repairs. Ask the seller for evidence of any recent work done to address the brake pipe corrosion or the exhaust leak noted in 2023.
Additionally, check the service history specifically for oil leak repairs. The MOT history shows a pattern of 'not excessive' oil leaks dating back to at least 2022. Ensure that the 'eml light' (engine management light) mentioned in the 2025 test has been properly diagnosed and cleared, rather than just ignored. A thorough inspection of the underside by a professional is highly recommended before committing.
The 1.6L petrol engine is generally economical for its era, offering a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency for daily commuting. Tax and insurance for a 2001 Corolla are typically low, placing it in a more affordable bracket for newer drivers or budget-conscious owners.
However, maintenance costs may be higher than average due to the age of the vehicle. You should expect to spend money on suspension components, brake pipes, and potentially exhaust repairs. Estimated annual running costs are moderately low, provided the corrosion does not lead to expensive structural repairs.
First, inspect the chassis and sills thoroughly. The MOT history explicitly mentions rear corrosion on both outer sills (2026) and previous signs of corrosion on the rear axle, subframe, and brake pipes. Look for bubbling paint or flaky metal underneath the car.
Second, check for any signs of active oil leaks. The vehicle has a documented history of oil leaks since at least 2022. Look for fresh oil staining around the engine bay and on the undertray. Finally, verify that the headlamp aim has been corrected following the 2026 failure, and check the condition of the tyres, as previous tests showed they were frequently worn close to the legal limit.
This 2001 Toyota Corolla presents a mixed profile; it has covered 96,120 miles, which is modest for a 25-year-old petrol vehicle. However, the MOT history reveals a worrying trend of escalating underbody corrosion and persistent oil leaks. While it has passed most tests, the recent advisories regarding sill corrosion and previous brake pipe issues are significant red flags for an older car.
While the Toyota Corolla is historically known for exceptional mechanical longevity, this specific vehicle shows signs of age-related structural degradation.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (Y158 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as Y158ABV.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
ROVER
75
TOYOTA
HI-ACE
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
RENAULT
CLIO
DUCATI
ST4S
ROYAL ENFIELD
BULLET 350
MERCEDES-BENZ
C
TOYOTA
RAV-4
TOYOTA
YARIS
FORD
KA
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.