2007 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · SE07 OUN

The most recent MOT on 6 May 2026 was passed, though it carried four advisories concerning the driver’s door hinge, off‑side sill damage, rear sub‑frame corrosion and corrosion of both rear coil springs. Over the last six years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures, with major failures recorded for the off‑side rear stop lamp, the parking‑brake lever and the rear registration‑plate lamp. The recurring corrosion advisories on the sub‑frame, coil springs, anti‑roll‑bar linkages and axle indicate a gradual, ongoing exposure to moisture rather than a sudden deterioration, while the electrical faults have been rectified between tests. Overall the maintenance trend is mixed: the car is being kept road‑legal but the pattern of corrosion‑related advisories suggests that the underlying rust issues have not been fully addressed and could worsen if left unchecked. At 100,141 miles the Aygo averages just over 5,200 miles per year, which is low for a 19‑year‑old vehicle. Such modest annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or long spells of standing, both of which can accelerate the development of rust on chassis components and cause seals and gaskets to dry out. The low mileage does mean that high‑wear items such as the clutch, gearbox and engine internals are likely to have experienced relatively light stress, but the age of the vehicle means that rubber components, bushings and fluids may be overdue for replacement regardless of the distance covered. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the areas repeatedly flagged by the MOT. Inspect the rear sub‑frame and mounting points for any sign of pitting, flaking or structural cracking; a firm hand‑push on the rear suspension should reveal any excessive play that could indicate weakened mounting brackets. The rear coil springs, though only advisory, may be compromised by corrosion on both sides – look for rust streaks on the spring ends and listen for a metallic clunk when the car is driven over bumps, which can signal a cracked or fatigued spring. The anti‑roll‑bar linkages and their bushes should be checked for looseness or corrosion that could lead to a vague shudder in cornering. Verify that the parking‑brake lever now operates firmly and that the rear stop lamps and registration‑plate lamp illuminate correctly, as previous failures suggest wiring or connector issues that may reappear. Finally, examine the driver’s door hinge and off‑side sill for rust and ensure the door opens and closes smoothly without binding. Given the vehicle’s age, independent of mileage, the buyer should also carry out a comprehensive visual inspection of the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, especially if the car has been stored for long periods. Test the 12 V battery voltage and check for signs of sulphation, as batteries over a decade old often lose capacity. Drain and replace the brake fluid if it has not been serviced in the last two years, and inspect the rear brake pipe for corrosion or leaks, which could affect braking performance. A thorough check of the exhaust system for the previously noted minor leak is advisable, as a small crack can develop into a larger fault. Confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and that the timing belt (if applicable) has been replaced according to Toyota’s schedule; if documentation is missing, budgeting for a timing‑belt replacement would be prudent before committing to purchase.