2009 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · ML09 SHZ

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 19 January 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator for any prospective buyer. However, it is worth noting that this pass was achieved just three days after an earlier test on 16 January 2026 had resulted in a failure, meaning the offside rear suspension mounting corrosion defect was presumably rectified at the same visit. Across the recorded history the vehicle has generally maintained a stable maintenance profile, with passes recorded in 2021, 2023, 2025, and 2026, and only two failures logged in January 2022 and January 2026. The 2026 failure is of particular concern because it involved a structural corrosion issue at the rear suspension mounting area, which can progressively worsen if the underlying corrosion is not fully cut out and treated. The recurring presence of corrosion advisories on the outer sill area, combined with this structural failure, suggests that the bodywork and mounting points warrant close physical inspection rather than reliance on MOT cleanliness alone. Recorded mileage stands at 73,994 miles across approximately seventeen years of life, equating to an annual average of roughly 4,350 miles. This is well below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age and indicates either a pattern of short, infrequent journeys or extended periods of standing unused. Such low usage carries its own mechanical implications, particularly with regard to brake disc corrosion, potential caliper seizing due to lack of use, and degradation of fluids and rubbers through calendar ageing rather than wear. The gap between MOTs at the start of 2026 suggests the vehicle may have been off the road for a period, which aligns with the appearance of corrosion-related advisories and failures in the most recent tests. The relatively modest mileage does, however, mean that major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch are unlikely to be heavily worn. Given the offside rear suspension mounting corrosion failure, the buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension turret and surrounding bodywork, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp, paying particular attention to structural integrity around the mounting points, inner and outer sills, and rear axle area. Symptoms to listen for on a test drive include clonks or rattles from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, excessive body roll through corners, and any knocking when traversing speed bumps. The advisories relating to front brake disc pitting and scoring from 2022, along with the parking brake efficiency failure at that time, mean the braking system should be carefully checked for binding calipers, uneven pad wear, and confirmation that the handbrake holds the vehicle effectively on an incline. Given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, age-related checks should also form a central part of any inspection. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing even if tread depth appears adequate, as rubber degrades with time. The twelve-volt battery is likely approaching the end of its service life and should be load-tested, while brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil should be checked for condition and replacement history, as these fluids degrade through age regardless of mileage. The exhaust mounting advisory recorded in 2022, together with any historic exhaust advisory, suggests the rear exhaust rubber hangers should be inspected for brittleness and cracking. Finally, the headlamp lens discolouration advisories noted in the 2026 failure may indicate UV degradation of the polycarbonate lenses, which is common on vehicles of this age and can be remedied by restoration or replacement if light output becomes compromised.