2014 Toyota Yaris 1.3L Petrol · YY64 JVM

The vehicle's most recent DVSA examination on 28 November 2025 resulted in a pass, although it is notable that an earlier test on the same date initially recorded a failure before the vehicle was apparently rectified and re-presented to achieve a pass with no advisories or defects recorded. This immediate pass-following-failure pattern is not uncommon and can simply reflect last-minute remedial work on a specific issue, but for a prospective buyer it warrants direct enquiry to the seller as to what necessitated the repair. Looking at the broader trajectory, the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures at successive MOTs, with a failure recorded in November 2024 followed by a pass, and now the same pattern in late 2025. While there is no clear pattern of escalating defects, the intermittent failures suggest that the vehicle may be on the threshold of roadworthiness and benefits from careful inspection rather than assumption of reliability. With a recorded mileage of 103,352 miles over approximately 12 years, this Toyota Yaris has covered around 8,613 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. The MOT history shows tests in November 2023, November 2024, and November 2025, indicating consistent annual usage, and the recorded mileages do not suggest any prolonged periods of standing or any dramatic spikes in accumulated mileage between tests. For a Yaris of this age and distance, the mechanical implications are centred on wear to high-mileage consumables, including brake discs and pads, suspension components such as bushes, shock absorbers, and coil springs, the clutch assembly, and timing chain or auxiliary drive belts depending on the engine variant. Buyers should verify the service history to confirm that interval-based items have been attended to, as the MOT test itself does not cover engine servicing items. Given the clean defect record on the MOT history, attention should turn to age and mileage-related deterioration that falls outside the scope of the standard MOT inspection. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, which is common on vehicles over five years old and can lead to premature failure even when the tread depth remains legal. Although the front tyres are likely to have been replaced more recently, the rear tyres on a Yaris often show age-related degradation before the tread is worn through, and budget for replacement should be considered. The braking system should be inspected for disc corrosion, particularly on the rear drums or discs if fitted, and the calipers should be checked for binding, which is a frequent issue on vehicles that have seen mixed urban and standing use, and can manifest as pulling to one side under braking or uneven pad wear. The 12-volt battery is another item that warrants attention on a vehicle of this age, as batteries typically have a service life of four to six years and a failing battery can cause intermittent electrical faults that may not be flagged during an MOT. The cooling system, brake fluid, and transmission fluid all degrade over time irrespective of mileage, so confirmation of recent fluid changes via the service book is advisable; brake fluid is particularly hygroscopic and should be renewed every two years to prevent internal corrosion of the brake system. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clunks over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn bushes or top mounts, and pay attention to the steering for any vagueness or knocking, which can indicate worn tie rod ends. Finally, verify the operation of all electrical systems including the infotainment, climate control, and central locking, and inspect the underbody for any surface corrosion consistent with the vehicle's age, particularly around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, which on a high-mileage Yaris may be approaching the end of its service life.