2021 Toyota Yaris Cross Design HEV Auto 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · YR71 BHO

The most recent DVSA examination on 2025-09-26 resulted in a Pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is the most relevant indicator of present roadworthiness. However, that same date also records a prior Fail on the same inspection attempt, with two PRS category defects concerning front wiper effectiveness and an offside headlamp aim being too low. Notably, the September 2024 test follows a near identical pattern, having failed initially on headlamp aim before subsequently passing after adjustment. Taken together, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but reveals a recurring theme of headlamp alignment irregularities and, more recently, a windscreen wiper issue. Neither defect is structurally significant or indicative of deeper mechanical deterioration, but both warrant confirmation during a pre-purchase inspection to ensure proper rectification has been carried out, particularly that a replacement wiper blade or linkage repair was performed rather than a temporary clear-out of debris. The recorded mileage of 26,531 miles over an approximate five-year service life equates to around 5,300 miles annually, which is substantially below the national average for a vehicle of this type and age. While low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain and suspension components, it introduces a different set of mechanical concerns centred on prolonged standing and short-journey use. Hybrid systems such as the Yaris Cross rely on regular running to maintain battery health, brake actuation cycles, and lubricant distribution, so extended periods of inactivity followed by infrequent cold starts can accelerate certain age-related degradations. The lack of recorded MOT tests prior to 2024 suggests the vehicle only became due for its first MOT at three years of age, and the gap between tests indicates no abnormal mileage accumulation; usage has been consistently light throughout the recorded period. For a prospective buyer, the clean advisory record and the PRS-only failures do not flag any significant mechanical defects, but a careful physical inspection remains advisable given the low-mileage profile. Begin with the tyres, checking for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, sidewall cracking or perishing from age, and ensuring the manufacturing date code falls within a reasonable service life; even lightly used tyres degrade from oxidation over time. Inspect all four wheels and the underbody for signs of corrosion, paying particular attention to suspension components, brake calipers, and the rear exhaust silencer, where standing moisture can promote surface oxidation. On the test drive, listen for suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces that could indicate perished bushes or dry coil spring seats, and apply the brakes firmly from moderate speed to check for any shudder or pulling that would suggest warped brake discs or a binding caliper piston from prolonged standing. Given the calendar age of the vehicle, also verify the time-based servicing items that are not mileage dependent. Confirm when the brake fluid was last changed, as this hygroscopic fluid typically requires renewal every two years regardless of mileage due to moisture absorption. Check the 12V auxiliary battery and the hybrid system health via the diagnostic menu or a Toyota dealer read-out, as hybrid traction batteries can lose capacity through prolonged low use. Inspect the windscreen wiper blades directly and confirm the headlamp aim is correctly set rather than relying on an MOT pass alone, since both items have previously been flagged. Finally, ensure the service book is fully stamped and cross-reference any work performed with Toyota manufacturer recommendations, particularly the coolant, inverter coolant, and transmission fluid service intervals, all of which remain calendar-sensitive rather than purely mileage-driven.