2018 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · DL02 PAM

The most recent MOT test on the 2018 Toyota Aygo, conducted in late December 2025, was passed with no defects recorded, marking a positive turnaround following a failure in early February 2023. While the vehicle has otherwise maintained a clean MOT history for the past two years, the presence of persistent advisories—particularly around tyre wear, anti-roll bar components, and brake disc condition—indicates a pattern of wear that has not been fully resolved. The failure in February 2023 highlighted dangerous tyre defects, including a complete absence of tread visibility on the near-side front tyre, which is critical for hydroplaning resistance and legal compliance. This suggests that while the vehicle has avoided immediate failure since, the underlying issues—such as uneven tyre wear patterns and potential suspension component fatigue—demand closer scrutiny to prevent future road safety risks. The recorded mileage of 35,107 miles for a vehicle aged eight years represents a relatively low annual usage rate of approximately 4,388 miles per year, which is unusually low for its age. Such low mileage can result from prolonged periods of inactivity, particularly if the vehicle has been stored in a garage or exposed to environmental conditions that accelerate wear from standing. However, the absence of significant mileage accumulation over the past few years may mask other forms of wear, such as brake system degradation from infrequent use, where standing corrosion can lead to binding calipers or seized brake discs. Additionally, suspension components like anti-roll bar bushes and coil springs may exhibit accelerated wear if the vehicle has been left stationary for extended periods without regular movement, potentially exacerbating the advisories noted in previous MOTs. Given the recurring advisories on tyre wear, anti-roll bar components, and brake disc condition, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension and braking systems. During a test drive, listen for unusual noises such as clunks or rattles from the anti-roll bars, which could indicate worn or broken bushes. Check for uneven tyre wear patterns, particularly on the offside front tyre, which may suggest misalignment or suspension issues. Inspect the front brake discs for signs of excessive pitting, scoring, or warping, which could impair braking performance. If the anti-roll bar components are confirmed to be worn beyond the MOT advisories, replacement may be necessary to prevent further suspension degradation or handling instability. For practical checks beyond the MOT history, the buyer should verify the tyre condition for signs of sidewall perishing or cracking, which can weaken the tyre structure over time, even at low mileage. Given the vehicle’s age and potential periods of inactivity, inspect the brake system for signs of corrosion on the brake discs, calipers, or brake lines, as standing fluids can cause binding. Additionally, check the 12V battery and associated electrical systems for signs of weakness, as prolonged disuse can lead to reduced capacity or failure. Fluid levels, particularly the engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant, should be top-up to the manufacturer’s specifications, as these fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. Finally, review the service history for any missing or outdated maintenance records, such as suspension bush replacements or brake system servicing, to ensure the vehicle remains in optimal condition for its age and usage profile.