2013 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · OF09 LOW

The most recent MOT, dated 8 April 2026, was passed but flagged surface corrosion on the outer sills and a severely deteriorated front anti‑roll‑bar linkage ball‑joint dust cover. Over the last six years the vehicle has moved from a clean pass in 2020 and 2021 to a failure in early 2022 for a faulty hazard‑warning (hazard) switch, then to a series of advisories covering the hazard switch, rear brake pipe corrosion, front brake‑disc wear and increasing body corrosion. While the car has consistently passed the test since the 2022 failure, the recurring nature of the hazard‑switch fault and the progressive corrosion indicate a maintenance trend that is holding but showing signs of gradual deterioration rather than clear improvement. At 48,773 mi the Aygo averages roughly 3,750 mi per year, which is well below the typical usage for a vehicle of its age. The low annual mileage suggests the car has spent considerable periods idle, a factor that can accelerate surface rust, rubber hardening and fluid breakdown. There are no obvious spikes in mileage that would point to heavy short‑term abuse, but the modest total distance means many wear items will be more age‑related than mileage‑related. A prospective buyer should verify that the hazard‑warning switch now operates correctly; a non‑functioning switch will illuminate the amber indicator on the dash and may be silent until the next MOT. Inspect the rear left brake pipe for rust pitting or flaking, and look for any seepage of brake fluid around the pipe or caliper – corrosion here can lead to reduced braking efficiency and a soft pedal feel. The front brake discs were noted as worn and pitted in 2024; examine the disc surface for deep scoring or uneven wear and test for brake shudder or vibration under moderate braking, which would indicate the discs are approaching the end of their service life and may need resurfacing or replacement. The anti‑roll‑bar linkage dust cover is severely deteriorated, so check the ball‑joint for excessive play or clunking when cornering, as a compromised linkage can affect handling stability. Surface corrosion on the sills and under‑body should be assessed for any rust that has penetrated structural panels; any flaking or bubbling paint may conceal deeper corrosion that could affect chassis integrity. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, additional time‑based checks are advisable. Examine all tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, and confirm tread depth meets legal limits; aged tyres can fail even with low wear. Test the 12 V battery voltage and, if possible, its cranking amperage, as batteries left idle for long periods often lose capacity. Verify that brake fluid has been changed within the last two years – old fluid can absorb moisture and reduce boiling point, leading to brake fade. Inspect coolant, power‑steering and transmission fluids for colour and level, and consider a full service flush if service stamps are missing. Finally, confirm that suspension bushes, especially the front lower control‑arm and rear trailing‑arm bushes, are free of cracks or excessive play, and listen for any metallic clunk during a short drive over bumps, which would signal bush wear that should be addressed before the next MOT.