2010 Vauxhall Agila 1.0L Petrol · AV10 CHC

This Vauxhall Agila presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 26 September 2025 at 133,379 miles, passed, but only after a failure on the same day at the identical mileage. The initial failure revealed a serious fluid leak from the offside rear shock absorber and an inoperative rear reversing lamp, both of which were rectified before the pass. Crucially, the tester noted that the integral body structure is corroded at various locations, though structural rigidity was not deemed significantly reduced. This is a serious flag for a 16-year-old vehicle. The maintenance trend is not clearly improving; while some items are fixed for each test, underlying corrosion and recurring brake pipe advisories suggest a pattern of reactive rather than preventative upkeep. The mileage progression is consistent and typical for the vehicle's age. Between the October 2023 test at 121,377 miles and the September 2024 test at 125,902 miles, the car covered 4,525 miles in nearly a year. The jump from September 2024 to the September 2025 test is 7,477 miles, indicating slightly increased use in the most recent period. The current recorded mileage of 133,379 aligns with an average annual use of roughly 8,336 miles, which is normal. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes that suggest the mileage is unreliable or that the vehicle has been standing idle for extended periods. A prospective buyer must inspect the understructure and body mounts for the corrosion cited in the 2025 advisory. Surface rust on brake pipes has appeared as an advisory in every test since at least October 2023, indicating a persistent environmental or age-related issue that may have worsened. The suspension requires close scrutiny. Recurring advisories for worn suspension arm pins and bushes, a fractured nearside front coil spring identified in 2024, and a leaking rear shock absorber all point to a front and rear suspension system that has seen significant wear. The 2024 failure also flagged a binding offside rear service brake and a poorly adjusted parking brake lever, suggesting potential caliper or cable issues that may still need attention. This vehicle demands a thorough physical inspection, with particular focus on structural corrosion, suspension component integrity, and the condition of the braking system.