2010 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · OV10 RYW

The most recent MOT test on 5 June 2026 resulted in a pass, with only minor defects and a single advisory recorded, suggesting that the vehicle remains broadly roadworthy and compliant with current standards. Reviewing the trajectory over recent years, the picture is one of stable condition with minor cosmetic and electrical issues rather than a worsening mechanical trend. The 2024 failure was driven by two major items that were evidently remedied before the subsequent retest on the same day, and the advisory items logged in 2022 and 2023 relating to a minor exhaust leak have not been flagged on the two most recent tests, indicating the exhaust system was either repaired or the leak has stabilised. The recurring indicator tell-tale and headlamp lens minor defects are non-safety-critical cosmetic items, although their persistence across multiple tests suggests they have not been actively addressed. With 69,637 miles recorded on a 2010 vehicle, the annual average of approximately 4,352 miles is notably low for a car of this age. This kind of mileage profile typically indicates periods of light use interspersed with possible standing time, and it warrants particular attention to components that deteriorate with age rather than mileage. Significant mileage gaps are not explicitly recorded, but the cumulative wear patterns visible on the MOT record are consistent with a car that has been used economically rather than heavily. For a prospective buyer, low mileage on a 16-year-old vehicle is a mixed blessing; mechanical wear on internal drivetrain components may be modest, but calendar-aged deterioration of rubber, fluids, and electrical items can be more pronounced than on a higher-mileage but regularly driven equivalent. Given the age and low usage profile of this Toyota Aygo, several physical checks are advisable beyond the MOT record. The advisory regarding front tyre perishing noted in 2025 is particularly relevant; low-use vehicles frequently suffer sidewall cracking due to prolonged standing, UV exposure, and under-flexing of the rubber compound, so all four tyres should be closely inspected for hairline cracks, bulging, or brittleness, and their manufacture date codes verified to ensure they are not excessively old regardless of remaining tread depth. The advisory on nearside front brake disc wear from the 2026 test also warrants a physical inspection, as standing vehicles are prone to disc corrosion and caliper seizure; on a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding, or binding sensation when releasing the brakes, and check for uneven pad wear or a pulsing sensation under braking which could indicate disc runout or lipping. Brake fluid should be tested for moisture content, and the 12V battery health verified, as both commonly degrade with calendar age in low-mileage cars. Further age-related inspection points include the cooling system, where hoses and the radiator should be checked for perishing and the coolant strength tested, alongside verification of when the timing chain or belt was last replaced on the 1KR engine, as this is a known service item on vehicles of this age. The exhaust system, although not flagged recently, should be inspected for rust along its full length, mounting rubbers, and the catalytic converter integrity. On a test drive, pay attention to any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes, top mounts, or possibly snapped coil springs common to Aygos of this generation. Steering should be checked for vagueness or knocking through the column, the clutch for slipping or heavy operation, and the cooling fan for proper cycling. Finally, verify that the service book contains evidence of regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals despite the low mileage, as infrequent oil changes on a calendar-aged engine can lead to internal sludge formation and accelerated wear.