2014 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · FN14 RHO

The most recent MOT, carried out on 6 May 2026, was passed but returned three advisories – front inner suspension arm pin or bush wear, front anti‑roll‑bar linkage pin or bush wear and a near‑side rear tyre showing early signs of cracking or perishing. Over the preceding seven years the car has consistently passed its MOT, with the only failure recorded in March 2020 for an unsafe front‑nearside tyre tread depth and a non‑functioning windscreen wiper. That failure was remedied and the vehicle has since returned to a clean pass record, albeit with a steady stream of minor advisories each year. The pattern indicates a generally stable maintenance regime, with wear items emerging gradually rather than any sudden deterioration. At 61 646 miles the Aygo averages just over 5 000 miles per annum, which is well below the typical UK usage of around 10‑12 000 miles per year for a vehicle of this age. The low annual mileage suggests the car has not been subjected to high‑stress driving cycles, but it also raises the possibility of prolonged periods of inactivity. Extended standing can accelerate tyre perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of suspension components, even when mileage is modest. Consequently, the wear observed in the tyre and suspension advisories is more likely to be a function of age and storage rather than high mileage wear. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension bushings and anti‑roll‑bar linkage. Inspect the bushings for any looseness, cracking or excessive play by applying firm pressure to the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions; any clunk or knock on cornering or over bumps would confirm the advisory is progressing towards a fault. The rear tyre on the near‑side should be examined for sidewall cracks, dry rot or bulges – these are typical of ageing rubber and can lead to sudden failure, especially if the vehicle has been stored for long periods. The off‑side rear tyre, flagged in 2023 as close to the legal tread limit, should have its tread depth measured; any reading below 3 mm warrants replacement. Both front brake discs were noted as pitted but not weakened in 2021; feel for any brake pedal pulsation, listen for squeal or grinding, and verify disc thickness visually – discs approaching 1 mm of remaining material will need resurfacing or replacement soon. Finally, confirm that the horn now operates correctly and that the windscreen wiper clears the glass in a single sweep, as these were previously flagged. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough age‑related inspection is essential. Check the tyre DOT code to ensure none are older than six years, as rubber degrades with time irrespective of tread depth. Test the 12 V battery with a load tester; a battery older than four years often shows reduced cranking power and may fail under load. Examine the under‑carriage for rust, especially around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, and look for any signs of fluid leaks from the engine, coolant and brake circuits – fluids can deteriorate simply by sitting. Verify that the service book contains regular oil changes, coolant flushes and brake‑fluid replacements at the manufacturer‑specified intervals; if service stamps are missing, anticipate a full fluid change. A short test‑drive should reveal any steering shimmy, uneven tyre wear, or abnormal noises from the suspension, while a gentle brake application will expose any judder or pull. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the Aygo’s current roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance required before purchase.