2009 Vauxhall Agila 1.2L Petrol · NV09 VVO

The defining mechanical story of this 2009 Vauxhall Agila is a pattern of front suspension wear that has culminated in serious brake and parking brake faults, though the most recent test does show a recovery to pass status. The 2023 cycle is particularly concerning, as a re-test after a fail on 21 August 2023 recorded dangerous parking brake efficiency below 50 percent of the required value, alongside a major defect for the offside parking brake being inoperative on one side. The nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint was flagged as excessively worn on both that test and the 2022 fail, indicating a recurring weakness in that component. The 2026 pass, while welcome, is accompanied by advisories for the same nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint showing slight play, and corrosion at the inner suspension component mounting prescribed areas on both the nearside and offside sills. While these are presently advisories rather than failures, they suggest suspension and structural areas that warrant close physical inspection before purchase. With 109,836 miles recorded across seventeen years, the vehicle averages roughly 6,461 miles per year, which is a relatively modest annual accumulation and consistent with typical light commuter or urban use. There are no extended multi-year gaps in the testing history, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for prolonged periods. That said, the components flagged in the MOT record, particularly the front suspension and brake assemblies, are consistent with wear expected from a vehicle of this age and mileage, regardless of the exact annual rate. The lower than average annual mileage may slow the progression of some wear items, but corrosion advisories on the sill mounting areas indicate that age-related deterioration, rather than distance, is the more relevant factor for this particular car. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension, as the nearside lower arm ball joint has failed twice and the anti-roll bar linkage has now developed play. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and feel for vagueness or looseness in the steering, particularly over uneven road surfaces. Visually inspect the lower suspension arms, ball joints, and anti-roll bar drop links for perished or cracked rubber boots, grease contamination around the ball joint housings, and any visible movement when the wheels are levered with the car raised. Given the dangerous parking brake efficiency recorded in 2023, the rear brake mechanism should be specifically examined: check that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline without excessive travel, and that the rear calipers are not binding, as advisories for both rear service brakes binding were noted on the same date. Sticking calipers can lead to one-sided braking, which may manifest as a pull to one side under firm pedal application. The exhaust advisory carried over from the 2025 test and repeated in 2026 points to a minor gas leak that should be located and assessed, as prolonged exhaust leaks can affect emissions and allow fumes to enter the cabin. Inspect the exhaust system from the manifold gasket through to the rear silencer for black soot deposits indicating blowing gaskets or cracked pipe sections. The sill corrosion advisories, while not currently considered excessive, should be monitored, as these inner suspension mounting areas on the Agila can deteriorate further with continued exposure to road salt and moisture. A thorough inspection with the vehicle on a ramp is advisable to assess the extent of any surface corrosion and to confirm that structural integrity remains intact. Finally, verify the operation of the registration plate illumination, as a minor defect was recorded in 2026, and replace the affected lamp before the next test to ensure compliance.