2017 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · YN17 XED

A clear pattern of brake-related irregularities has emerged across the MOT history of this 2017 Toyota Aygo, with the most recent test on 12 November 2025 recording a pass alongside an advisory for a nearside rear service brake binding, though not excessively. This latest result must be viewed alongside a notable failure on 15 November 2024, which cited a severely grabbing offside rear service brake, insufficient overall service brake efficiency, and an offside headlamp aim that was too low. The fact that the binding issue was noted on the opposite rear wheel just twelve months later suggests the underlying caliper or shoe mechanism concern has migrated rather than been fully resolved. While the vehicle has passed five of its seven recorded tests with no defects, the clustering of brake advisories and a major brake failure within the last fourteen months is the defining mechanical characteristic of this car and warrants close physical inspection of the rear braking components. Mileage accumulation has been moderate and broadly in line with expectations for a nine-year-old city car, with the most recent odometer reading of 61,707 miles representing roughly 6,856 miles per year since first registration. The testing history is continuous on an annual basis from late 2019 through late 2025, with no multi-year gaps that would suggest the vehicle was laid up or off the road for extended periods. This regular testing cadence and consistent mileage progression indicates steady, active use rather than sporadic or neglected storage. Mechanically, this level of usage on a small-engined Aygo is generally favourable for avoiding the corrosion and seized-component issues that affect low-mileage examples, though it does place proportionate wear on consumables such as brake friction material, tyres, and suspension bushes. A prospective buyer should focus their inspection on the rear brake system given the documented binding on the nearside and the prior severe grabbing on the offside. On a test drive, listen for any dragging sensation or pulling to one side under light braking, and verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle firmly on an incline without creeping, as binding calipers or seized rear shoes often accompany weak handbrake performance. Have the rear discs and pads measured for remaining thickness and check for any scoring or lipping on the disc edges. With the engine off, attempt to rotate each rear wheel by hand to confirm there is no excessive resistance compared to the fronts, and inspect the caliper sliders and handbrake mechanism for free movement. Given the headlamp aim failure in 2024, confirm that both headlamp projectors are securely mounted and that the beam pattern sits at the correct height on a flat surface, as a poorly adjusted or loose headlamp assembly can drift out of alignment over time. Additional inspection points should target the tyres and front suspension, since advisories for edge wear on both front tyres appeared in 2022 and 2023, and slight cracking or perishing was noted on the rear pair in 2023. Check the current set of tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which can indicate worn front bushes, ball joints, or tracking misalignment on the Aygo's relatively firm suspension geometry. The 2020 advisory for a slightly noisy offside rear wheel bearing and a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel should also be followed up; rotate the wheels by hand with the vehicle raised to listen for any rumble or roughness from the rear hub, and inspect the front wheel rim for impact damage that could affect tyre sealing. Finally, conduct a thorough examination of the underbody and inner wheel arches for corrosion, particularly around the rear axle and suspension mounting points, as urban-driven Aygos are not immune to surface rust developing in these areas over time.