2007 Vauxhall Agila 1.0L Petrol · RJ07 AAE

A pattern of structural corrosion dominates the mechanical history of this 2007 Vauxhall Agila, with both rear suspension arms classified as seriously weakened at the February 2024 test and the nearside rear brake pipe subsequently flagged as corroded at the 2025 re-test, items that triggered a failure on that occasion before a pass was secured the following day. Coil spring corrosion has also been a recurring theme, first appearing at the nearside front in early 2025 and progressing to the front pair by February 2026, while the exhaust system was noted as corroded across both 2024 tests. Beyond these structural concerns, a persistent front engine oil leak has been recorded at every test since 2025 and front tyres have worn close to the legal limit on multiple occasions, including three of the four tyres flagged at the most recent pass. The most recent outcome on 4 February 2026 was a pass, but the underlying record shows a vehicle whose corrosion and wear issues have been steadily broadening rather than resolving. With 75,142 miles recorded over approximately nineteen years, annual accumulation sits at around 3,955 miles, a notably low figure for a city-focused supermini of this era. This low usage pattern is consistent with short, infrequent journeys, periods of standing, or a secondary-vehicle role, all of which carry their own mechanical consequences. Low-mileage cars of this age tend to suffer more from corrosion of underbody components, seized brake mechanisms, and degraded rubber bushes than from outright mechanical wear, and the MOT record reflects exactly that pattern, with structural advisories and brake pipe corrosion dominating over high-mileage defects such as worn clutches or excessive exhaust emissions. The mileage consistency across consecutive tests also suggests no significant periods off the road, which means the corrosion recorded is genuine progressive deterioration rather than the consequence of a long lay-up. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension arms warrant the closest physical inspection, as the 2024 failure classified them as seriously weakened, meaning the metal itself may be perforated rather than merely surface-corroded. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and feel for any vagueness or wandering from the rear axle under load. The track rod end replacement noted in early 2024 should also be verified, as a joint with excessive play can produce steering wander, a knocking on full lock, or uneven tyre wear across the front, and the offside front tyre was already worn on its edge at that test. With three tyres flagged at the legal limit or close to it in February 2026, a full set of replacements should be anticipated as an immediate cost. The oil leak, recorded consistently across three tests, should be traced to its source before purchase, as even a non-excessive leak can migrate onto the exhaust, the lower engine mount, or the subframe, accelerating corrosion in areas that are already showing age. On start-up from cold, listen for any initial rattle from the timing chain area, as low-mileage Agilas of this generation are known for chain stretch, and check for blue smoke from the exhaust which would indicate oil being burned rather than merely weeping. The corroded brake pipe at the nearside rear should be examined in person, ideally on a ramp, to determine whether it requires replacement now or is merely surface-affected, and the front coil springs should be inspected for cracking or collapse, as corroded springs can snap without warning. Finally, the exhaust system, flagged as corroded in 2024, should be tapped with a rubber mallet or inspected underneath for holing, particularly around the joints and silencer, as a nineteen-year-old exhaust on a low-mileage but corrosion-prone car is unlikely to have much further service life remaining.