2004 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · YA04 FCC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of structural degradation and mechanical neglect. While the most recent test in September 2025 at 164,625 miles resulted in a pass, it followed a failure at the same mileage for critical issues including an inoperative engine management system light and a failed stop lamp. The persistence of corrosion on the suspension mounting points and rear brake pipes indicates that while immediate repairs are being made to pass tests, the underlying structural integrity of the chassis is actively deteriorating. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 164,625 miles represents an average usage of approximately 7,500 miles per year. This consistent mileage is typical for a vehicle of this age, suggesting it has been used regularly rather than left stationary for long periods. Between August 2023 and September 2024, the car covered roughly 5,000 miles, a period that saw a significant failure involving multiple failures across lighting, tyres, and structural components, suggesting a pattern where the owner only addresses the minimum requirements necessary to maintain an MOT certificate. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the outer sills and suspension mounting areas. The 2024 failure flagged the offside rear suspension mounting as excessively corroded with reduced structural strength, and although the 2025 test noted this was not yet excessive, the presence of rust under both sills remains. The recurring corrosion on the rear brake pipes across multiple years suggests the braking lines are prone to thinning, which will eventually lead to a sudden failure. Furthermore, the persistent exhaust leak noted in every test since at least 2024 indicates a deteriorating exhaust system that has not been properly rectified.