2011 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · CM09 CAT

A clear structural and front suspension concern dominates the recent MOT history of this fifteen year old Toyota Aygo, with two consecutive years of significant defects requiring immediate repair. The 2025 test recorded major corrosion within 30cm of rear body and axle mounting points, alongside an inadequately repaired nearside rear integral body section and a worn front anti-roll bar linkage, while the 2026 test failed outright on dangerous suspension arm rear bushes on both front sides that were literally sitting out of their seats, an excessively worn offside front ball joint, and a binding offside front service brake. That the car passed the 2026 test one day after this failure is only because the lower arm rear bushes, ball joint, and binding brake were presumably replaced or rectified between the two consecutive tests. Looking further, advisories in 2022 and 2023 already flagged deteriorating lower arm rear bushings and subframe corrosion, indicating the front suspension deterioration has been developing over at least four years and the corrosion picture has been gradually worsening into structural territory. The trend is unambiguously towards worsening mechanical condition rather than improvement. With 85,251 miles recorded over fifteen years, annual accumulation works out at roughly 5,683 miles, which is notably low for the age of the vehicle. The MOT record shows testing in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and twice in 2026, with no multi-year lay-up gaps, so the mileage progression has been broadly steady across the recorded period. Such modest annual mileage typically results in slower wear of high-mileage items like clutches, engine internals, and brake friction material, but it does not insulate a car from age-related degradation of rubber, metal fastenings, and ferrous components. In practice, the rust and bush wear seen here are exactly the kind of deterioration that affects lower-mileage cars that have spent considerable time exposed to moisture and road salt rather than being driven hard. For any prospective buyer, the rear chassis corrosion recorded as majors in 2025 is the single most important area to inspect in person, because structural rot within 30cm of body or axle mounting points is not always fully visible from a casual glance. Examine the inner sills, rear axle mounting areas, and any signs of previous welding or filler repairs on the nearside rear, ideally with the car on a ramp. Check for fresh paint, underseal overspray, or bubbling corrosion along the sill seams and around the rear strut mounts. The fact that an inadequately repaired structural section was flagged in 2025 means any prior repair should be scrutinised for quality and extent, as structural rigidity deficiencies on an integral body shell can compromise crashworthiness as well as long-term integrity. The front suspension requires equally close attention on a test drive. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, particularly when turning at low speed, as worn lower arm rear bushes and a recently replaced ball joint can continue to transmit noise if the surrounding components or related arms are also worn. On the road, feel for any pulling to one side under braking, uneven pedal response, or a sense of the offside front caliper binding again, which would manifest as a hot wheel after driving, uneven pad wear, or a dragging sensation when the car is rolling in neutral. Also check for any vibration or roughness through the steering, as the 2025 test flagged a rough nearside front wheel bearing, and a failing bearing typically presents as a hum that changes with vehicle speed or a slight judder under braking. Finally, lift the bonnet and look for oil misting around the cam cover and inspect coolant hoses for hardening, given the age of the vehicle, as the Aygo three cylinder engine is generally robust but ancillary rubber components will be approaching the end of their service life.