2011 Vauxhall Agila 1.2L Petrol · WM11 OTD

The 1.2-litre petrol Agila sits in insurance group 4-5 and produces modest fuel-economy figures in the mid-40s mpg in real-world driving, which keeps day-to-day costs low for a small car. Road tax for a 2011 petrol of this displacement is around £165 per year, and being ULEZ-compliant in London is a useful bonus for city buyers. Routine servicing is inexpensive thanks to the simple three-cylinder engine, with typical interim and major services landing in the £150-£250 and £300-£450 brackets respectively at independent garages.

Allowing for fuel, tax, insurance and routine maintenance, you should budget roughly £1,400-£1,800 per year in total running costs, though this assumes no major mechanical work. The 2023 suspension failure history means you should keep a £400-£700 reserve available in case front suspension components need refreshing once more.

Start with the front suspension: jack the car and check the nearside front coil spring for any visible crack, corrosion or sagging, and grab the front wheels to feel for play in the lower arms, particularly at the rear bushes. Inspect the front anti-roll bar drop links and ball joints for perished or split gaiters, as both sides had severely deteriorated dust covers at the 2023 test. With the wheels off the ground, spin each front wheel to check the shock absorbers for smooth resistance rather than the bouncing or lack of damping noted at the offside front in 2023.

On a hill, apply the parking brake firmly and try to roll the car to confirm the parking brake efficiency has been restored after the 2023 failure. Under the bonnet, look for fresh oil residue around the front of the engine and sump area to gauge whether the 2025 advisory oil leak has worsened. Finally, check the windscreen wiper blades and general bodywork, as the 2026 advisory noted a defective wiper, and small panel imperfections are common on a 15-year-old city car of this size.