2009 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · SA09 PRV

The most recent MOT, carried out on 17 January 2026, resulted in a Pass but was accompanied by a series of advisories covering front service‑brake binding, rear sub‑frame mounting repairs concealed by under‑seal, rear suspension component damage and a repaired off‑side front vehicle structure that does not appear to have lost rigidity. The pattern of the last twelve tests shows a clear deterioration: after a clean pass in October 2022 the vehicle has accumulated multiple major failures – notably front suspension arm ball‑joint wear, front brake binding, ABS warning lamp illumination and significant corrosion of rear suspension mounting points – before finally achieving a pass that still flags several lingering concerns. The trend is therefore worsening, with recurring structural and suspension issues that have not been fully resolved. At 125 194 mi the Aygo has logged roughly 7 300 mi per year since its 2009 registration, a mileage rate that sits squarely within normal usage for a small city car of this age. There are no obvious large gaps in the record that would suggest prolonged periods of inactivity, but the mileage combined with the age means that many wear‑related components – bushings, ball joints, brake pads and discs, and rubber seals – are likely approaching the end of their service lives. The relatively modest annual mileage does not offset the cumulative effect of 17 years on the chassis and drivetrain. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front suspension and braking system. Inspect the front ball joint for any play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions; excessive movement or a knocking sound on a test‑drive over bumps would confirm the previously recorded wear. Verify that the service brakes release smoothly and that the pedal does not feel gritty or exhibit a pulsation, which would indicate the binding noted in the advisories. Examine the rear sub‑frame mounting areas for signs of rust, under‑seal failure or cracked metal, especially where the under‑seal has been used to conceal repairs; any corrosion beyond surface rust could compromise structural integrity. The ABS warning lamp must be off – a diagnostic scan should be performed to clear any fault codes and confirm that the system operates correctly, as an intermittent ABS fault can re‑appear under heavy braking. Beyond the specific defects, the car’s age warrants a thorough calendar‑based inspection. Check all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or tread depth below 1.6 mm, as ageing tyres can deteriorate even on low‑mileage vehicles. Test the 12 V battery voltage and assess its ability to hold charge, given that batteries typically lose capacity after five years. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been refreshed within the recommended intervals; old brake fluid can absorb moisture and exacerbate brake binding. Finally, confirm that the service book contains stamps for regular oil changes, timing‑belt (or timing‑chain) inspection, and any suspension or brake component replacements that may have been carried out after the earlier failures. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of whether the Aygo remains a safe, road‑worthy purchase or will require substantial remedial work.