2004 Toyota Yaris diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Toyota Yaris diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Toyota Yaris diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes10.5× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  20% All 2004 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 0.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.8× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  16.9% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Headlights1.7× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  22.4% All 2004 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 4.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  19.3% All 2004 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Wheel bearings2.3× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  8.8% All 2004 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2004 Toyota Yaris diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Toyota Yaris diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  47% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  38% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Toyota Yaris diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 10.5× as often on the 2004 Toyota Yaris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2004 Toyota Yaris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2004 Toyota Yaris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?