2005 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · YH55 OYU

The defining mechanical narrative of this 2005 Toyota Yaris is one of progressive corrosion across its suspension and braking components, with advisories accumulating steadily over the recorded test history. The most recent test on 28 October 2024 was ultimately passed, but only after a prior failure that same day for an insufficient washer supply, while carrying advisories for corroded coil springs on all four wheels and corroded front suspension arms. Earlier failures in July 2023 related to a non-functional nearside front position lamp and an inoperative registration plate lamp, both of which are typically straightforward electrical items. The 2022 and 2021 tests recorded advisories on both front brake pipes for corrosion covered by grease or other material, alongside worn anti-roll bar linkage pins and bushes on both sides, with the 2020 and 2019 tests continuing to flag similar wear patterns on the anti-roll bar linkages. Taken as a whole, the pattern indicates an older vehicle where chassis and suspension corrosion has been a recurring observation rather than a one-off finding, even though the brake pipe corrosion has been noted as grease-covered rather than structurally critical. The recorded mileage of 90,603 miles over approximately 21 years equates to an annual accumulation of around 4,300 miles, which is low for the vehicle's age and suggests periods of either light use or extended standing. The MOT entries span from April 2019 to October 2024, covering roughly five and a half years, and within that window the mileage progression has been modest rather than rapid, which is consistent with the low annual figure. Lower annual mileage of this nature typically means reduced wear on major drivetrain and engine components but can also allow corrosion to take hold on exposed metal parts such as brake pipes, coil springs, and suspension arms due to infrequent use and moisture exposure. The repeated advisory findings on these components support that interpretation, as corrosion-related items have been flagged across multiple consecutive tests. A prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the suspension and braking components that have been repeatedly flagged. The coil springs on all four corners were noted as corroded in 2024, and any visible flaking, pitting, or section loss on the spring coils should be treated as a concern, as advanced corrosion can lead to spring fracture. The front suspension arms have also been recorded as corroded, and any knocking or rattling from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps or potholes, would warrant further investigation of the arm assemblies and their bush interfaces. The front anti-roll bar linkage pins and bushes have been flagged as worn since at least 2019, and on a test drive any clunking from the front under cornering or sharp direction changes would indicate that these links have reached a stage requiring replacement. Brake system condition is another priority area given the recurring advisories. The front brake pipes have been noted for corrosion on both sides across multiple tests since 2019, and a careful visual inspection along the full length of the brake lines, particularly where they run along the underbody and near mounting clips, is advisable to check for any blistering of the protective coating, rust bleeding, or active corrosion. The 2019 test also recorded worn and pitted front brake discs with thinning pads, so checking the pedal feel for any judder under braking and listening for any grinding noises will indicate the current state of the discs and pads. A final road check should include confirmation that all exterior lamps function correctly, as the 2023 failure and the 2024 washer failure suggest minor electrical and fluid items that can easily be overlooked but should be verified during a pre-purchase walk-around.