2011 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · WG60 AEL

The 998cc Toyota Aygo is one of the most economical cars on UK roads, with official fuel economy figures in the high 50s to low 60s mpg and a real-world figure typically between 45-55 mpg. Road tax for a 2011 petrol Aygo falls into a low band given its sub-1.0l engine and modest CO2 output, usually £30-£35 per year. Insurance sits in group 3 or 4, making this one of the cheapest cars to insure on the market, particularly for younger or newer drivers.

Routine maintenance is similarly modest, with parts widely available and cheap. Tyres, brake pads, and filters are all low-cost items, and the 1.0-litre engine is known for being simple to work on. The annual MOT fee is the standard £54.85, and with only one advisory in three years of testing, there is little in the MOT record to suggest escalating mechanical costs. Estimated annual running cost: £800-£1,100.

The MOT failure in February 2025 related entirely to tyre tread depth on three of four wheels — front nearside, front offside, and rear offside. This is a straightforward consumable issue rather than a mechanical defect, but on a 15-year-old car with 105,000 miles, the suspension geometry that causes uneven tyre wear should be checked. Inspect for uneven shoulder wear, which can indicate worn wishbones or bushes. The 2023 advisory noted slight play in the nearside front wheel bearing; although it did not reappear on subsequent tests, listen for hub growl on a test drive and rock each front wheel by hand to feel for looseness.

The aggregate model data flags headlamp issues, wiper condition, and suspension arm wear as the most common Aygo MOT failures nationally. Check headlamp lenses for UV haze and cracks, ensure both wipers clear the screen effectively, and visually inspect the front suspension arms for corrosion or perished bushes. The Aygo's city-car proportions mean it is frequently used in tight urban environments, so expect kerbing damage to wheels and minor bumper scuffs rather than structural concerns. Finally, verify the VIN plate matches the V5C and check for any historic body repair, as the record alone cannot confirm accident history.