2016 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · YN16 SWV

A ten-year-old Toyota Yaris returning a clean pass at its most recent MOT on 25 November 2025, following a similarly defect-free pass on 18 December 2024, presents a relatively tidy picture of roadworthiness on paper. Across the eight recorded tests since 2020 the vehicle has only failed on two isolated occasions, both of which are tied to single components rather than systemic mechanical deterioration. The first failure in December 2023 was due to an inoperative front windscreen washer, a trivial electrical or fluid issue that was clearly resolved before the same-day retest. The second failure in December 2024 involved exposed ply in the nearside front tyre and a sidewall cut on the offside front tyre deep enough to reach the cords, both categorised under tyre integrity rather than any underlying chassis or brake concern. There are no advisories recorded in any of the passes, meaning no wear items such as brake discs, pads, bushes, or exhaust components have been flagged as approaching the legal threshold. The absence of corrosion advisories across eight consecutive winter tests on a 2016 Yaris is notable, given that this platform is generally known for its solid rust resistance. The recorded mileage of 27,863 miles over approximately ten years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 2,800 miles, which is well below the typical figure for a vehicle of its age. There are no evident multi-year gaps in the MOT record to suggest the car has been laid up off the road for extended periods, with tests consistently filed between late November and mid-December from 2020 through 2025. This consistent testing pattern, combined with the low mileage, implies regular short journeys rather than long periods of inactivity. Mechanically, this usage profile tends to preserve major drivetrain components but places additional stress on items that suffer from underuse, including the 12V battery, brake discs and pads through lack of regular drying heat cycles, and tyre sidewalls that can develop flat-spotting or dry rot from prolonged standing. The tyres themselves are the only components that have triggered a failure, which is consistent with age-related rubber deterioration at low mileage rather than wear from sustained use. Given the record, a prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the items that low-mileage and age tend to affect disproportionately rather than the typical high-wear suspects. On a test drive, listen for any hesitation or stumble from a cold start, as short-trip use can leave carbon deposits in the combustion chambers and on the throttle body of the 1.0 or 1.5 VVT-i engines fitted to this generation. Check that the brake pedal feels firm and that the car stops in a straight line without pulling to either side, as lightly used front discs can develop a corrosion lip that causes pedal judder under braking. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking, crazing, or bulges, since the December 2024 failure demonstrated that rubber deterioration is already occurring on this car, and any tyres older than five years from their DOT date stamp should be viewed with caution. Also verify that the washer system delivers a strong jet to both front and rear screens, as the previous failure indicates this was an intermittent issue, and confirm that all interior and exterior bulbs function correctly. Beyond the MOT-recorded items, a few age-related checks remain worthwhile. Lift the bonnet and inspect the coolant reservoir for any discolouration or floating residue, as low-mileage examples often run the same factory fill for many years. Examine the underside through the wheel arches for any surface oxidation on the suspension arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and coil springs, paying particular attention to the rear torsion beam which can corrode at its mounting points. Check the boot floor, spare wheel well, and tailgate lower edge for any damp staining or perished rubber seals, as a ten-year-old Yaris can suffer from minor water ingress that would not appear on an MOT. Finally, confirm that the air conditioning system delivers cold air promptly, as the compressor seals and condenser on lightly used cars can seize from infrequent cycling, and verify that the vehicle history document matches the V5C keeper details before committing to purchase.