2009 Toyota Aygo 1.0L Petrol · YY09 GYX

A clear pattern of corrosion-driven brake deterioration, exhaust leakage, and recurring suspension component wear defines the mechanical profile of this 2009 Toyota Aygo. The July 2026 test, recorded as a pass, came only a week after a failure on 2026-07-10 where the nearside and offside rear brake hose ferrules and the nearside brake pipe running front to rear were all flagged as excessively corroded, alongside a major exhaust gas leak at the rear box. The fact that the vehicle returned a week later with the same items now reduced to advisories suggests replacement or temporary repair rather than a fundamental resolution. Across the recorded tests from 2023 to 2026, advisories for rear brake pipe corrosion and rear brake hose ferrule corrosion appear repeatedly, and a 2025 failure recorded dangerous front tyre tread depths below 1.6mm on both sides. Structural advisories for rear sub-frame corrosion and rear axle mount corrosion were noted in 2023, 2025, and 2024 respectively, indicating ongoing chassis-level oxidation that, while not yet seriously weakening the structure, is a progressive concern on a vehicle of this age and accumulated mileage. With 136,220 miles recorded against a 17-year build date, the Aygo has averaged around 8,000 miles annually, which sits within normal expectations for a small city car of this generation. The MOT history shows annual testing without significant breaks in compliance from 2023 through 2026, which is consistent with regular use rather than extended periods off the road. The mileage accumulation appears steady rather than exhibiting any unusual gaps or sudden jumps, suggesting the vehicle has been in continuous operation. However, this sustained usage on what is essentially a budget city car platform means that high-mileage wear items such as suspension bushes, ball joints, CV boots, and exhaust components are now manifesting repeatedly at test time, and continued use will accelerate further deterioration of the brake lines and chassis components already flagged. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the brake system, particularly the rear brake pipes and hose ferrules that have been flagged in every recent test. On a road test, listen for any sponginess or excessive travel in the brake pedal, and check for uneven braking or pulling that could indicate a seized caliper or compromised pipe. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for any damp staining or active weeping around the brake pipes, as corrosion covered in grease on the MOT record can mask underlying pitting that may soon progress to leakage. The exhaust system warrants close attention given the recent major leak at the rear box; listen for any ticking or blowing noises on startup, and check for black soot deposits around the rear silencer joint that would indicate an active escape of gases. The suspension components flagged across multiple tests deserve particular scrutiny. The 2024 failure cited an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, and advisories have been raised on the offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush in both 2023 and 2026, suggesting progressive wear at the rear bush of that arm. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises over uneven surfaces, particularly at low speed over speed humps, and pay attention to any vague or wandering steering that could indicate worn ball joints or deteriorating bushes. The rear sub-frame corrosion advisories and rear axle mount corrosion should be inspected visually on a ramp or over a pit, looking for any perforation through the metal rather than just surface rust. The CV boot failure recorded in 2024 should also be checked by inspecting the inner joints for fresh grease splatter on the surrounding suspension components, which would indicate a recent or imminent split.