IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2005 Toyota Aygo Mk1

The original Aygo launched as part of a joint venture with Citroen and Peugeot, sharing its mechanicals with the C1 and 107. It was an instant hit in the UK as a cheap, cheerful and surprisingly fun city car. The 1.0 three-cylinder engine is tough but the original 180mm clutch was a weak point that many owners upgraded.

What changed for 2005

  • •Launch of the Aygo city car range with 1.0 petrol and 1.4 diesel engines
  • •Shared platform with Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Water ingress through rear light seals into the boot
  • !Exhaust silencer corrosion on UK cars exposed to road salt
5
Known Issues
0
Serious
4
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Water Ingress (Boot/Rear)

ModerateBodywork & Rust

Leaking rear light seals and high-level brake lights let water into the boot.

Est. Repair Cost: £50–£200
Warning Signs:

Wet boot carpet, Condensation, Misty lights

What to Inspect:
  • Lift boot carpet and check for water or rust
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Clutch Wear

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

Many owners upgrade to the 190mm clutch from later models to resolve premature wear.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£500
Warning Signs:

High biting point, Slipping in high gears

What to Inspect:
  • Pull away in 2nd with handbrake on
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Door Lock Actuator Failure

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The central locking actuators can seize or fail, preventing doors from locking or unlocking remotely.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£200 per door
Warning Signs:

Door won't lock/unlock with key fob, Manual lock still works, Clicking noise from door

What to Inspect:
  • Test all door locks with the key fob
  • Listen for actuator clicking
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Starter Motor Wear

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The starter motor can wear prematurely, especially on cars used for frequent short urban trips.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£350
Warning Signs:

Slow cranking, Clicking noise when turning key, Car fails to start in cold weather

What to Inspect:
  • Listen for slow cranking or clicking on startup
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Exhaust Silencer Corrosion

MinorExhaust & Emissions

The rear silencer is prone to rusting through, especially on UK cars exposed to road salt.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£250
Warning Signs:

Exhaust rattle or growling noise, Failed MOT for exhaust leak, Visible rust on rear silencer

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the rear silencer from underneath
  • Listen for exhaust noise at idle
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2005 Toyota Aygo Mk1

  • Check for water in the spare wheel well — a telltale sign of rear seal failure
  • The 1.0 petrol is the one to have; avoid the diesel unless it has been well-maintained