2013 Vauxhall Agila 1.2L Petrol · HF63 FWH

Three recorded failures across the MOT history, including two Dangerous defects in 2019 and one Major tyre-mismatch in 2023, place this Vauxhall Agila firmly in the higher-risk category for a used-car buyer rather than the steady, uneventful category. The most recent test on 30 September 2025 produced a Pass, but it carried three advisories on a single visit, which is a noticeable concentration for a vehicle of this size and class. Two of those advisories relate to slight play in both front suspension arm ball joints, while the third flags corrosion on the offside rear coil spring. When advisories cluster around the front suspension geometry and rear spring corrosion in one inspection, it suggests the underlying chassis and running gear are beginning to demand attention rather than simply displaying isolated wear. The earlier 2019 failure is particularly serious in retrospect, as the nearside rear wheel bearing was judged so rough it was likely to overheat or break up, a dangerous defect that would have posed a genuine safety risk at any speed, and the nearside rear tyre had exposed ply or cords, indicating a tyre that was being run well beyond a safe tread depth. With 107,033 miles recorded over roughly thirteen years, the vehicle is averaging around 8,233 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a small city car of this era and suggests regular rather than sporadic use. There are no extreme gaps in the MOT history that would imply a prolonged period off the road, although the absence of a recorded test between October 2020 and December 2021 is a minor anomaly that may simply reflect a delay between tests rather than any mechanical concern. The 2019 test shows two entries on the same date, one a fail and one a pass, which is the standard pattern when a vehicle is presented, fails, repairs are carried out, and a re-test is conducted on the same day, so the failure should be treated as fully resolved on paper. The August 2023 fail on mixed aspect ratio tyres is similarly a relatively contained issue, though it does suggest a degree of inattention to correct tyre fitment at some point, and the persistent oil leak advisory noted on both 2023 entries indicates a chronic minor seep that has been present for at least a couple of years. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension during any inspection, given the slight play now recorded in both ball joints on the 2025 test. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, speed humps, or when turning at low speed, as these are classic symptoms of worn ball joints. With the steering, any vagueness, looseness, or a reluctance to self-centre after a turn would suggest the play is more advanced than the advisory wording implies, and a thorough physical check with the wheel jacked up is worthwhile to confirm the amount of movement in both sides. Also check for uneven or feathered inner or outer front tyre wear, which often accompanies worn suspension linkages, and be prepared for both ball joint replacements as a likely near-term cost. The offside rear coil spring corrosion advisory warrants a visual inspection underneath, ideally with the vehicle raised, as corroded springs on a car of this age and mileage can progress towards fracture. Listen for any audible thump or scraping from the rear over bumps, which could indicate a broken coil rather than merely a corroded one, and inspect the offside rear tyre for any unusual wear pattern that might indicate the spring height has been compromised. The persistent minor oil leak, present since at least August 2023, should be examined by checking the underside of the engine and gearbox for fresh drips or staining on recent components, as an advisory level leak can quietly develop into a more substantial one over time. Finally, confirm that the tyres currently fitted are of matching size and aspect ratio across each axle, and check the rear wheel bearings by rotating the rear wheels manually at the test to ensure no roughness has returned since the 2019 dangerous defect was rectified.