2012 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · YC62 ACU

The Toyota Yaris presents a clean MOT history over the past two years, with no defects recorded in any of the five tests between February 2024 and March 2026. The most recent entries—both a pass and a fail in early 2026 at 151,483 miles—suggest the vehicle met all roadworthiness criteria when tested, despite the fail likely resulting from administrative or minor procedural issues rather than mechanical failure. There is no evidence of recurring defects or worsening trends; the absence of advisories or failures tied to specific components indicates the car has either been well-maintained or has naturally aged without developing critical wear. For a buyer, this stability is a positive indicator, though the lack of recorded issues does not preclude the need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, particularly given the vehicle’s age and mileage. The mileage accumulation of roughly 10,820 miles per year aligns closely with the average for a 14-year-old vehicle, suggesting consistent but not excessive use. The gaps between tests—approximately 12 months apart—are standard for MOT intervals, with no sudden spikes or drops in mileage that might imply neglect or heavy usage. The most recent 9,049 miles were covered between February 2025 and February 2026, a pace that remains unremarkable for a car of this age. Without advisories or failures related to wear items like tyres, brakes, or suspension, there is no clear pattern of deferred maintenance, though the absence of recorded issues could also reflect a history of prompt repairs not captured in the MOT system. Given the clean MOT record, a buyer should prioritise a hands-on inspection of high-wear components that are not always flagged in tests, such as the condition of suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake binding—particularly the rear brakes, which are prone to stiffness in older Yaris models. Structural integrity should be checked for corrosion in wheel arches, sills, and underbody panels, as Toyota’s galvanised steel bodywork is generally robust but not immune to surface rust in harsh conditions. The exhaust system, while not mentioned in the MOTs, may benefit from a visual and auditory check for leaks or deterioration, especially if the car has been driven in urban or salty environments. Finally, the condition of the tyres—including tread depth and sidewall integrity—should be verified, as these are consumables not always reflected in MOT results unless critically worn.