2010 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · LR10 LEF

A pattern of rear brake binding advisories, present at both the 2022 and 2023 MOT tests, defines the mechanical character of this Toyota Aygo and warrants close attention at inspection. Each test since 2022 has passed cleanly with no failures or dangerous defects recorded, including the most recent examination on 16 February 2026, which was returned with no advisories at all. This suggests the binding issue flagged on the rear calipers or rear brake mechanism in the earlier MOTs may have been resolved, or it could indicate intermittent sticking that did not present on the day. The tyre perishing advisories, recorded on the nearside and offside rear tyres in both 2022 and 2023, have likewise not recurred on the more recent passes, pointing to replacement items rather than a structural issue with the wheels themselves. The overall trend across the five recorded tests is one of improving roadworthiness, with the most recent two examinations entirely free of advisory items. Against an age of approximately sixteen years, the recorded mileage of 26,467 miles equates to an average annual accumulation of around 1,650 miles, which is low for the vehicle's age and indicates either genuinely light usage or extended periods of inactivity. The mileage progression across the five tests is consistent with steady, modest use rather than any unusual bursts of driving, with no evidence of clocked figures or erratic gaps in the record. Low annual mileage of this nature typically results in slower wear of major drivetrain components such as the clutch, engine internals, and transmission, but it can accelerate deterioration of items that suffer from prolonged standing, including brake discs corroding on their friction surfaces, tyre sidewall cracking from UV exposure, and rubber components perishing from lack of flexing. The combination of the low recorded miles and the historic advisories for brake binding and tyre perishing is consistent with a car that has spent considerable time stationary between uses, allowing surface corrosion and rubber degradation to develop gradually. For a prospective buyer, the rear brake system is the principal area to evaluate during a physical inspection and test drive. The repeated advisories for binding on both the nearside and offside rear brakes suggest the caliper sliders or handbrake mechanism may be sticking, and although the recent passes show no recurrence, a binding caliper can behave intermittently. On a test drive, listen for any dragging or grinding sensation from the rear wheels, check that the handbrake releases cleanly without leaving the brakes partially engaged, and verify that the vehicle rolls freely on a flat surface with the handbrake off. With the engine running and the car jacked safely, an assistant should be able to rotate the rear wheels by hand to confirm there is no residual friction. The rear brake drums or discs should also be examined for any scoring, blueing from heat, or heavy rust pitting, as a binding caliper can leave polished wear patterns on the friction surface. The tyre condition recorded in 2022 and 2023, with cracking observed in both the tread and sidewall of the rear tyres, indicates rubber ageing consistent with the vehicle's age and low usage pattern. While the more recent tests do not flag tyres, it remains prudent to inspect the current set for sidewall cracking, uneven wear, and age-related hardening, as older tyres can lose grip particularly in wet conditions even when the tread depth appears adequate. On a test drive, pay attention to any knocking or clonking from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, as the Aygo's basic torsion beam rear axle and its bushes can wear over time, and low-mileage cars that have stood for long periods can develop stiff or deteriorated rubber mounts without obvious symptoms at low speed. Steering should be checked for any pulling to one side under braking, which could indicate a sticking rear caliper biasing effort unevenly, and the brake pedal should feel firm and progressive without any sponginess suggesting corrosion within the hydraulic system from prolonged inactivity.