2014 Vauxhall Agila 1.0L Petrol · HY64 HHF

Tyre deterioration has been the most consistent theme across the MOT history of this 2014 Vauxhall Agila, with cracking, perishing and cuts appearing at virtually every annual test from 2023 onwards. The record shows the vehicle passing seven tests in total but failing twice, both failures related directly to tyre condition; the 2023 fail involved a non-functioning nearside front position lamp alongside the same tyre advisory that recurred throughout the record, and the 2025 fail cited cuts on the nearside front and offside rear tyres deep enough to reach the ply. The most recent test on 6 August 2026 returned a pass with no advisories related to tyres, suggesting either replacement rubber or improved condition, though the underlying pattern of perishing remains a concern given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage. The latest test also recorded a minor defect for an inoperative registration plate lamp and advisories for a minor exhaust gas leak and an offside rear service brake binding slightly but not beyond limits, which together represent a modestly deteriorating picture compared with the clean 2021 and 2025 passes. With 69,923 miles recorded over roughly twelve years of testing, this Agila has covered approximately 5,827 miles annually, which is notably below average and consistent with a second or third household car used for short errands rather than regular long-distance driving. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing record, indicating the vehicle has been kept on the road continuously since at least 2021, but the low accumulation rate raises the familiar mechanical considerations associated with low-mileage use; standing periods accelerate rubber and polymer perishing, brake disc corrosion, and occasional binding of callipers, all of which appear consistent with the observed advisories. The mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than erratic, so there is no indication of any inconsistency such as clocked readings or unusually rapid accumulation that would warrant further concern. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the condition of all four tyres on inspection, given the recurring perishing advisories across multiple years and the deep cuts recorded at the 2025 test; look for sidewall cracks, bulges, or exposed cord, and confirm that the tyres fitted are not significantly older than their DOT date stamps suggest, as aged rubber can perish regardless of tread depth. The advisory for an offside rear brake binding warrants a road examination specifically to listen for any dragging noise, uneven braking effort, or pulling to the opposite side under steady application, and a check for a hot wheel or visible corrosion on the offside rear disc after a short drive. On the exhaust system, the noted minor gas leak should be traced by listening for ticking or hissing under the front of the car at idle, particularly around joints and the manifold area, and by inspecting for soot deposits or visible hangers and rubber mountings that may have deteriorated with age. More broadly, a test drive should include a section of broken urban tarmac and a few moderate speed bumps to evaluate the suspension, as twelve years of light use and standing periods often lead to corroded or seized damper mounts, perished bushes, and weakened coil springs on small vehicles of this age. Listen for clonks, knocks, or creaks from the front and rear suspension over uneven surfaces and check for uneven tyre wear on the inside or outside shoulders, which can indicate geometry issues or worn components. Confirm that the registration plate illumination functions correctly on all required lamps, as the 2026 test recorded a minor defect in this area, and inspect the exhaust system from beneath the car with the engine running to localise the minor leak flagged at the latest test.