2021 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · MA71 CHJ

The most recent MOT test on this 2021 Toyota Aygo, conducted on 11 August 2025, resulted in an initial fail followed by a pass on the same date, indicating that the identified defects were rectified without difficulty prior to retest. The failure centred on an insufficient quantity of windscreen washer fluid, a straightforward and easily corrected item, alongside an advisory concerning slight damage, cracking, or perishing to the nearside front outer tyre. The previous test in August 2024 was passed without any advisories or defects recorded, suggesting an otherwise consistent maintenance profile. The presence of the tyre advisory on the most recent test, where none existed previously, is worth noting as it may indicate the early onset of age-related deterioration rather than any mechanical concern with the vehicle itself. With 9,272 miles recorded over approximately five years, this Aygo has covered an average of just 1,854 miles per year, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of its age and suggests either very light usage or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage typically reduces wear on mechanical components such as the clutch, brakes, and drivetrain, but it does carry its own implications, including the potential for standing-related issues such as brake disc corrosion, caliper seizure, and degradation of rubber and fluid components due to time rather than use. It is also worth verifying that the recorded mileage is consistent and free from clocking irregularities, given how infrequently the vehicle appears to have been used. Given the very low mileage and the recent advisory regarding tyre perishing on the nearside front outer, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the tyres during a physical inspection. Age-related sidewall cracking and perishing is common on low-mileage vehicles, and even if the tread depth remains legal, tyres older than around five to six years can suffer structural degradation of the rubber compound, potentially compromising grip and safety. Check the manufacturing date stamped on the tyre sidewalls and inspect closely for any signs of cracking, bulging, or brittleness across all four tyres, including the spare if fitted. Additionally, due to extended periods of standing, inspect the brake discs for surface corrosion and the calipers for any signs of binding or stiffness, which may manifest as juddering or pulling during a test drive, and listen for any scraping or grinding noises when first applying the brakes from cold. Other practical inspection points appropriate to a low-mileage, five-year-old vehicle include verification of the 12-volt battery condition, as batteries left in a discharged state or used only intermittently can suffer from reduced capacity and may require replacement. Confirm that the service book or digital service records demonstrate regular oil and filter changes at appropriate calendar intervals, typically every twelve months or ten thousand miles, whichever comes first, as time-based servicing is especially important when annual mileage is low. Inspect all fluid levels and qualities, paying particular attention to brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox oil, all of which degrade with age regardless of use and benefit from periodic replacement. Finally, examine the bodywork and undercarriage for any signs of corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounting points, as standing vehicles kept outdoors can develop surface rust even when mechanically sound, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician to confirm the overall mechanical integrity given the vehicle's atypical usage pattern.