2012 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · FL12 DXV

A concerning pattern of tyre structural failure and brake deterioration defines the recent MOT history of this 2012 Toyota Aygo. The most recent test on 13 August 2026 initially recorded a pass with no defects, but the same date also carries a failed entry citing dangerous tears caused by structural separation on both the nearside front and offside rear tyres, alongside a major defect for the offside rear service brake grabbing severely. Going back to 2024 and 2025, advisories repeatedly flagged nearside and offside front tyres with slight damage, cracking or perishing, and the front brake discs were noted as worn, pitted or scored on both sides across two consecutive tests. The progression from cosmetic tyre cracking advisories through to a dangerous structural failure within a two-year window, combined with the persistent front disc wear advisories and now a brake grab fault, suggests that the consumable wear items on this vehicle have not been addressed proactively and the braking and tyre condition warrants close scrutiny before purchase. Against an expected average of roughly 7,000 to 9,000 miles annually for a city-oriented Aygo of this age, the recorded 70,068 miles equates to about 5,005 miles per year, which is on the lower side and points to either genuinely light use or extended periods of inactivity. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record visible across 2024, 2025 and 2026, suggesting the car has been kept on the road consistently rather than laid up for multi-year stretches. That said, lower annual mileage on a small hatchback often correlates with short urban journeys, which can accelerate front brake disc corrosion and pitting due to insufficient heat cycling to burn off surface moisture, and it can also allow tyres to deteriorate through age-related rubber perishing even when tread depth remains adequate. The mechanical implication here is that the brake and tyre issues observed are consistent with the usage profile rather than indicating high-mileage wear. For a prospective buyer, the priority checks should centre on the braking system and tyres, as these are the items that have generated every recorded advisory and failure over the past two years. On a test drive, listen for any pulling to one side under light braking, feel for pedal judder or vibration through the pedal when coming to a stop, and pay particular attention to whether the offside rear brake now releases cleanly without any tendency to drag or grab, which could indicate a binding caliper or seized slider mechanism following the major defect. Inspect all four tyres physically for bulges, cracks in the sidewall, or any signs of structural separation, and check the manufacturing date on the sidewall to confirm they are recent replacements, as the dangerous failures recorded suggest the previous tyres may have been aged beyond safe service life even if tread appeared acceptable. It is also worth raising the front of the vehicle to check the brake disc surfaces directly, as the repeated pitted and scored advisories imply the discs may now be at or beyond the manufacturer's minimum thickness and could require replacement rather than just a reface. Beyond the braking and tyre items, the 2024 failure noted severely reduced headlamp output due to product contamination on both lens surfaces, which is a common issue on older Aygos where the polycarbonate headlamp covers haze and oxidise. Check both headlamps at night for even, bright illumination without scatter, and consider whether lens restoration or replacement would be required for an MOT. The remainder of the record is notably clean, with no advisories relating to suspension components, steering play, exhaust integrity, corrosion of structural areas, or oil leaks, which is reassuring for a 14-year-old vehicle. Overall, the mechanical bones of this Aygo appear sound, but the buyer should budget for an immediate set of four tyres, a thorough brake inspection with likely front disc renewal, and verification that the rear brake grab fault has been fully rectified before relying on the vehicle for daily use.