2007 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · VX57 UGY

The 2007 Toyota Aygo presents a mixed mechanical picture at its most recent MOT on 25 March 2026, when it passed at 71,890 miles despite three active advisories. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but shows recurring minor faults rather than a clean bill of health. A nearside rear brake binding and an oil leak flagged in March 2026 echo the same oil leak advisory recorded in March 2023, suggesting a persistent weeping seal or gasket that has never been properly rectified. The rear axle corrosion noted in the latest test is a structural concern worth scrutinising on a 19-year-old city car, though it has not yet progressed to a failure point. The headlamp lens contamination is cosmetic rather than functional, and the brake disc wear seen in April 2025 appears to have been addressed before the retest passed the same day. The mileage pattern tells a clear story of very light use. Between March 2023 and March 2026, the car covered just 2,494 miles across three years, averaging roughly 830 miles annually in that window. The total recorded distance of 71,890 miles over 19 years equates to around 3,784 miles per year, well below the UK average. Low mileage reduces wear on consumables, but prolonged standing can cause its own problems, including perished rubber brake hoses, seized calipers, and dried-out suspension bushes. The gap between the April 2025 test at 71,589 miles and the March 2026 test at 71,890 miles shows only 301 miles of use in nearly a full year, reinforcing the likelihood of extended idle periods. A buyer should prioritise inspecting the rear axle area for corrosion depth and extent, particularly around mounting points and suspension pickup areas, as surface rust can hide structural thinning on older vehicles. The persistent oil leak warrants a careful check of the engine and gearbox for wetness around the rocker cover gasket, crankshaft oil seal, and gearbox output seal. The binding rear brake and previously flagged worn front discs point to a braking system that may have suffered from caliper seizure due to underuse, so a road test should confirm no pulling, dragging, or uneven braking effort. Suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and shock absorbers deserve close inspection given the car's age, even at low mileage, as rubber components deteriorate with time as well as use.