2009 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · AV59 LNN

A persistent rear brake binding issue defines the mechanical history of this 2009 Toyota Aygo and is the primary concern any prospective buyer should focus on. The nearside rear service brake was recorded as excessively binding on both the 2024-10-28 and 2025-10-13 test events, with the latter categorised as a dangerous failure that prevented the vehicle from passing on the day. A retest later on the same date returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, suggesting the issue was addressed at the time of test, but the recurrence across two consecutive annual examinations indicates the underlying cause has not been definitively resolved. Aside from this recurring defect, the broader MOT record is otherwise largely unremarkable, with single failures in 2022 for an inoperative hazard warning switch and a 2021 advisory noting corrosion on the inner faces of the front brake discs. The 2025 retest pass confirms the car was roadworthy as of October last year, though the brake binding pattern warrants direct scrutiny before purchase. With seven MOT tests recorded since 2021 and a current odometer reading of 26,932 miles, this Aygo has covered an unusually low average of roughly 1,580 miles per year over its seventeen-year life. Several multi-year gaps in the testing history imply periods off the road, and such low accumulation rates mean that most mileage-dependent wear items have experienced minimal use. Brakes in particular benefit from regular application to keep caliper slides, pistons, and rear drum or adjuster mechanisms free from seizure, which makes the recurring rear binding defect especially relevant here. Conversely, low mileage reduces cumulative stress on the clutch, engine internals, and transmission, though it can accelerate corrosion on ferrous components such as brake discs, exhaust mounting brackets, and underbody fastenings where protective oils evaporate through lack of heat cycling. Given the recorded binding defect, a thorough physical inspection of the rear braking system should take priority. On a test drive, listen for any dragging sensation, uneven deceleration, or pulling to one side under braking, and feel for the nearside rear wheel rotating more reluctantly than the offside when the handbrake is released. Examine the rear caliper or wheel cylinder for seized pistons, corroded slider pins, or a stuck adjuster mechanism, and check for excessive heat at the nearside rear wheel after driving. The 2021 advisory regarding corrosion on the inner faces of the front brake discs is also worth following up, as discs left untouched for long periods can develop lipping, pitting, or uneven friction surfaces that produce pedal judder or vibration under heavy braking. Beyond the braking system, the low-mileage profile warrants attention to items that deteriorate through standing rather than use. Inspect the rear silencer and exhaust mounting rubbers for signs of rust or collapse, check under the wheel arches and along the rear subframe mounting points for corrosion given the Aygo's age, and confirm that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline as seized rear mechanisms can also manifest as poor handbrake performance. Tyres older than five years from their DOT date stamp should be examined for sidewall cracking regardless of tread depth, and the cooling system should be checked for leaks given long periods of inactivity. Finally, verify that the hazard warning switch functions correctly across all indicator positions, as the 2022 failure in this area may indicate a worn or intermittent component that could resurface.