2007 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · ET07 ABU

A single component failure on the front nearside suspension stands out against an otherwise unblemished DVSA record for this 19-year-old Toyota Aygo. Eight MOT tests have been logged between 2019 and 2026, of which seven resulted in an outright pass with no advisories, including the most recent examination on 6 January 2026. The exception is the 25 November 2021 test, which produced a Major failure for a nearside front coil spring recorded as worn so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened. This is a structural suspension defect rather than a service item, and the fact that the car was presented again on the same date and subsequently passed suggests the spring was replaced before re-test. One advisory was also issued at the 3 December 2024 test, noting damage to the nearside front Macpherson strut mounting which was not considered seriously weakened at that time. Mechanically, the headline is that the vehicle has demonstrated a capacity to pass roadworthiness testing over a sustained period, with the 2021 coil spring issue representing the only recorded Major defect and no recurring advisories on the same area. The recorded odometer reading of 55,809 miles across approximately 19 years equates to an annual accumulation of around 2,937 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. There are no extended gaps in the testing history, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2019 through 2026, indicating the car has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for prolonged periods. Low annual mileage of this nature typically results in reduced wear on high-mileage consumables such as brake discs, clutches and internal drivetrain components, but it can also accelerate degradation of certain parts due to underuse. Standing fluid in brake calipers and wheel cylinders can promote internal corrosion, rubber suspension and bushing components can perish through age rather than wear, and coolant hoses, drive belts and dampers can deteriorate from environmental exposure even on a stationary car. The history suggests a vehicle that has been exercised lightly but consistently, and a prospective buyer should weigh the benefits of low mechanical wear against the age-related deterioration of rubber and polymer components. Given the recorded defect on the nearside front coil spring, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension during a physical inspection and test drive. With the vehicle on level ground, visually inspect the nearside front spring for any visible sagging, cracking or uneven coil spacing compared with the offside unit, and check that the vehicle sits level at both front corners. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front end when traversing speed humps or potholes, and feel for any vagueness in the steering response that could indicate a compromised strut or mounting. The advisory on the Macpherson strut mounting should be followed up by pushing and rocking the body at the nearside front corner to detect any excessive movement or rattling from the top mount area. A road test should also include firm braking from speed to verify that the car tracks straight without pulling, and a check for any judder through the brake pedal that might suggest warped front discs. Despite the clean overall pass rate, the cumulative effect of nearly two decades on the road means that a range of age-related items will not have been captured by the MOT schedule and warrant their own assessment. Brake fluid should be tested for moisture content regardless of the recent pass record, and the condition of the flexible brake hoses and visible underbody brake pipes should be examined for cracking or surface corrosion, particularly along the subframe mounting points. Inspect the exhaust system from the manifold rearward for rust perforation at the joints and mounting rubbers, and check the condition of the engine oil and coolant on the dipstick and expansion tank for any signs of emulsification or contamination. Tyre age should be confirmed by the DOT date code on each sidewall, as perished rubber can fail on a low-mileage car that has stood for long periods. Finally, verify that the supplementary restraint system warning lamp extinguishes promptly on ignition and that all seatbelt mechanisms retract and latch correctly, as these electronic and safety items are not always exercised on short, infrequent journeys.