2019 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · AP04 DRP

The most recent MOT on 19 September 2025 was passed, but it carried four advisories: a deteriorating rear registration plate, light oil mist from the nearside front shock absorber, and slight cracking or perishing on the nearside front, off‑side front and off‑side rear tyres. Over the previous three years the same shock‑absorber oil mist and rear‑plate advisory have recurred each year, with the tyre perishing warnings appearing only in the latest test. This pattern shows a generally stable maintenance record—no failures have been recorded—but a few wear items are persisting and are beginning to accumulate, indicating that attention to these components should be scheduled soon rather than deferred. The recorded mileage of 18 537 mi over roughly seven years works out to about 2 650 mi per annum, which is considerably below the average for a small city car of this age. Such low utilisation often points to periods of extended standby, which can be benign for the drivetrain but may promote age‑related degradation of rubber, battery electrolyte, and corrosion‑prone metal parts. The modest annual mileage means that wear on the engine, transmission and suspension is likely limited, yet the vehicle’s components have still been exposed to calendar ageing, so time‑based services become the primary concern. The recurring oil mist on the nearside front shock absorber suggests a deteriorating seal that is allowing hydraulic fluid to escape. While the current level of mist is light, it can progress to a loss of damping, resulting in a noticeable clunk over bumps, reduced ride comfort and uneven tyre wear. A thorough visual inspection of the shock absorber for any fluid on the surrounding suspension components, and a test‑drive that includes a slow‑speed “bump test” to feel for any excessive bounce or noise, are advisable. Given the repeated advisory, replacement of the front shock absorber—or at least the affected unit—should be planned within the next few thousand miles to avoid a potential failure that would require an MOT retest. The tyre advisories highlight that the front and rear tyres are showing early signs of perishing, a condition that is driven more by age than by tread depth. Even with low mileage, tyres older than six years can develop sidewall cracking, dry‑rot and reduced grip, especially if the car has spent long periods stationary. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for any visible cracks, bulges or hardening, and verify tread depth with a gauge; any tyre with less than 3 mm of tread or visible ageing should be replaced promptly, ideally as a set to maintain balanced handling. The rear registration plate should be examined for legibility and structural integrity, and replaced if the lettering is fading or the plate is warped. Additional checks appropriate for a seven‑year‑old low‑mileage vehicle include a load‑test of the 12 V battery, a visual assessment of brake discs for surface rust or glazing, inspection of suspension bushes for dry cracking, and confirmation that engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed according to the manufacturer’s calendar intervals rather than mileage alone. Ensuring these time‑based items are up to date will give the buyer confidence that the Aygo remains mechanically sound and road‑worthy.