2014 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · FE64 FDX

The latest DVSA MOT test on 1 May 2026 resulted in a pass, although the vehicle was initially presented and failed earlier that same day on lighting defects before being repaired and resubmitted. The pass carried a minor defect for an offside registration plate lamp that was inoperative across multiple light sources, an advisory for an offside front position lamp that illuminated only when tapped, and advisories for heavily deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage pins or bushes on both front sides together with front brake pads noted as starting to wear thin. Reviewing the history across 2021 through 2026, the overall maintenance picture is broadly stable rather than deteriorating, with clean passes in 2021 and 2024, but a growing cluster of advisories relating to the front anti-roll bar linkages, front brake pads, and the offside front drive shaft constant velocity boot. The earlier 2023 failure for a split CV boot, inoperative indicators, and headlamp main beam issue has clearly been addressed, as no recurrence of those lighting or boot defects is recorded at subsequent tests, suggesting that while the car is fundamentally sound, attention is shifting to suspension and brake wear items. The recorded mileage of 85,591 miles on a 2014 vehicle equates to an annual average of roughly 7,133 miles, which is a credible and reasonably typical rate for a small city car of this age. There are no obvious extended standing periods in the mileage profile that would raise immediate concerns about dormant corrosion, seized components, or battery degradation from inactivity, and equally there is no indication of rapid accumulation that might suggest harsh usage. That said, twelve years of road use will still bring calendar-based wear to rubber, coolant, brake fluid, and the 12V battery irrespective of mileage, so a prospective buyer should not be lulled by the modest annual figure alone. The advisory noting a nearside rear wheel slightly stiff to rotate at the 2025 test is a minor flag that warrants checking for binding calipers or a partially seized rear brake mechanism, particularly given that the same advisory wording regarding rear brake binding also appeared at the 2022 and 2023 tests. The recurring advisories on the nearside and offside front anti-roll bar linkage pins or bushes, described as heavily deteriorated and perishing in 2026, represent the most significant ongoing mechanical theme in the MOT record. These components are responsible for locating the anti-roll bar to the suspension upright and, when worn, typically produce clonks or knocks over bumps, vague or loose front-end response during direction changes, and uneven front tyre wear particularly on the outer shoulders. On a test drive, listen for crisp knocks traversing uneven surfaces and pay attention to whether the car feels less composed than expected through roundabouts or lane changes. Replacement is relatively inexpensive on an Aygo and is a sensible near-term maintenance item, but it should not be ignored as deterioration will progress toward an MOT failure once movement becomes excessive. The front brake pads noted as starting to wear thin in both 2025 and 2026 indicate that pad replacement is now imminent and should be budgeted for, ideally accompanied by inspection of the front brake discs for wear ridges or surface corrosion. Beyond the documented MOT findings, a buyer should conduct a number of age and mileage appropriate physical checks before purchase. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall perishing and cracking rather than relying solely on tread depth, as twelve-year-old tyres can suffer dangerous age-related degradation even with remaining tread, and note that an offside rear tyre was previously flagged for damage and perishing. Check the offside front CV boot visually for fresh grease deposits or splits, as the joint has been a recurring advisory across multiple tests, and listen for any clicking or knocking on full-lock turns which would indicate joint wear following boot deterioration. Verify that the cooling system has been flushed at the recommended interval, that brake fluid has been renewed within the last two years, and that the 12V battery holds charge under load, as a marginal battery is a common cause of the type of lighting faults seen at recent tests. Finally, confirm the service book stamps to ensure regular oil and filter changes have been performed, test all lighting including main beam and indicators to satisfy yourself that the earlier failed items remain resolved, and check that the tyre pressure monitoring system functions correctly as it was a major failure point in 2023.