2010 Vauxhall Agila 1.0L Petrol · LD10 SVP

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward developing mechanical wear after years of minimal use. The latest test in March 2026 at 61,092 miles saw the car fail due to a structural tear in the rear tyre, an ineffective wiper, and play in the offside front Macpherson strut ball joint. While it passed the retest immediately after, the presence of a binding offside rear service brake indicates that the braking system is beginning to require attention despite the low-mileage status. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 16-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,800 miles per year. There is a notable gap in records between June 2017 and December 2020, where the car covered only 9,000 miles over three years. Since 2022, the usage has increased more consistently, with roughly 4,000 to 5,000 miles annually. This low frequency often explains the perishing of rubber components and tyre degradation as noted in the 2020 and 2023 tests. A buyer should specifically inspect the front suspension for further signs of movement in the ball joints, as this is now a recurring defect. The binding offside rear brake needs a physical check to ensure the caliper is not seized, which can lead to uneven pad wear or overheating. Given the history of perishing and cracking tyres, a thorough inspection of the sidewalls for dry-rotting is essential, as the age of the rubber poses a greater risk than the remaining tread depth.