2005-2014 (AB10) - 1.0 VVT-i 68hp 1KR-FE petrol engine
Cheap, cheerful city car built in partnership with PSA (Peugeot/Citroen). The Daihatsu-designed 1KR-FE three-cylinder engine uses a timing chain (not belt) and is generally very reliable. Main concerns: water pump leaks causing coolant loss, premature clutch wear (especially pre-2009), cold start problems in winter, and water leaks into footwells/boot from poor seals. Avoid the MMT automatic - it's problematic and expensive to fix. The manual gearbox is far more reliable. Brake disc corrosion is common. Check for rust on rear sills and subframe.
Leaking water pump causes coolant loss, risk of overheating · more· less
The water pump on the 1KR-FE engine is known to develop leaks after several years. Look for pink/blue stains in the engine bay or water spots under the car. If coolant level drops and is ignored, the engine can overheat, potentially causing head gasket failure or warped engine block. Check coolant level regularly. The issue persisted across all AB10 production years - only the 2018+ 1KR-VE engine improved this. Parts cost around €100-150, labor 2-3 hours at €80-100/hour.
Clutch wear / failure€400 - €600
Clutch wears prematurely, especially on pre-2009 cars with smaller 180mm clutch · more· less
The original 180mm clutch fitted to early Aygos is undersized and wears out faster than expected, often by 60,000-100,000 km. A recall addressed this with modified parts. From 2009 onwards, a stronger clutch was fitted. When replacing, use a 190mm clutch (like the Yaris) which lasts longer. Clutch kit costs €75-130 (EXEDY/LuK), labor around 4 hours. Independent garages charge €400-500; dealers up to €950 if flywheel is also replaced.
Water leaks (footwells / boot)€50 - €200
Poor door/hatch seals allow water into cabin, especially rear footwells · more· less
This is a very common and well-documented problem. Water enters through faulty door seals, hatch seals, or a blocked ventilation drain. Check under the carpet in rear footwells and under the spare wheel in the boot. Many owners just "live with it." Fixing involves replacing seals (€30-80) or clearing blocked drains. If left unaddressed, can cause electrical issues and mold/rust. The Aygo is noticeably more prone to this than its C1/107 siblings.
Starter motor problems€150 - €300
Cold weather starting issues, sluggish cranking, clicking on start · more· less
Some Aygos are notoriously difficult to start in cold weather, and dealers often cannot pinpoint the cause. The 2007-2009 model years are particularly affected. Symptoms include sluggish starting, clicking noises, or complete failure to start. Replacing the starter motor helps but doesn't always cure it. This typically appears between 60,000-80,000 km. Starter motor costs €50-140 for parts, total replacement €150-300 fitted.
Brake disc corrosion€200 - €350
Front brake discs corrode and wear faster than normal · more· less
The Aygo's front brake discs are known to corrode prematurely and wear down faster than expected. Rear brakes can also need early replacement. This is exacerbated if the car sits unused for extended periods. Budget for brake disc and pad replacement every 40,000-60,000 km rather than the typical 80,000+ km. Front discs and pads cost €150-250 at an independent garage; dealers charge around €300.
The exhaust system on the Aygo tends to rust quickly, particularly the rear silencer/backbox. If you hear a growling noise from the exhaust, this is likely the cause. Replacement is straightforward. Parts cost €100-120 for a quality aftermarket silencer; fitted price around €170-350 depending on whether link pipe is also needed.
Lambda / oxygen sensor failure€150 - €300
O2 sensor fails causing check engine light and increased fuel consumption · more· less
Lambda sensor issues are commonly reported by Aygo owners. The sensor monitors exhaust gases and when it fails, it triggers the engine warning light and can increase fuel consumption by up to 15%. A faulty sensor will also cause MOT failure. Sensors should be replaced every 80,000-130,000 km. Parts cost €25-70 (aftermarket) or €50-100 (OEM brands like Bosch/Denso). Total fitted cost €150-300.
Robotised manual gearbox has multiple failure points - avoid if possible · more· less
The MMT (Multi-Mode Transmission) automatic is based on Citroen's SensoDrive robotised manual. It's complicated and failure-prone. Common symptoms: stuck in neutral, loss of drive while moving, flashing "N" light, jerky gear changes. Causes include faulty actuators, premature clutch wear, and TCU failures. Dealer repairs cost €700+ for actuator work, €1,500-2,500 for gearbox replacement. Specialist MMT repair shops can be cheaper but parts are expensive. If buying an Aygo, strongly prefer the manual gearbox.
Rust / corrosion€200 - €800
Rust on rear sills, subframe, wheel arches, and roof · more· less
The Aygo (along with C1/107 siblings) is prone to corrosion, particularly around the rear sills near suspension mounts, subframe, and wheel arches. Paint bubbling on the roof that spreads to the windscreen frame is also reported. Some cars have failed MOT due to structural rust. Inspect carefully underneath and around wheel arches. Repair costs vary widely depending on severity - minor bubbles €200-300, structural repairs €500-800+.
Window regulator failure€150 - €250
Electric windows become jerky or stop working between 50,000-90,000 km · more· less
The electric window regulators can develop problems, causing windows to move jerkily or not at all. This typically occurs between 50,000-90,000 km. Parts cost €35-130 depending on brand. Replacement is moderately straightforward at an independent garage. Total fitted cost €150-250.
Reliable and cheap to run, but watch for water and rust
The Toyota Aygo is one of the most affordable cars to own and maintain. The 1KR-FE engine is fundamentally reliable with its maintenance-free timing chain. Most issues are minor and inexpensive to fix. The main risks are water ingress (very common), premature clutch wear on early cars, and rust on higher-mileage examples. Avoid the MMT automatic entirely - stick to the manual for trouble-free ownership.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history Complete service records preferred. Check oil changes were done at proper intervals (every 10,000-15,000 km).
Tires Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns.
Cold start Must start engine completely cold. Listen for any rattling or hesitation. Cold start issues are common.
Body condition Check for rust, accident damage, paint bubbling especially on roof and sills.
Test drive Minimum 20 minutes including some town driving to test clutch and gearbox thoroughly.
Specific for this vehicle
Check coolant level and look for leaks Open bonnet and check coolant reservoir. Look for pink/blue stains around water pump area. Low coolant = likely leak.
Feel the carpets in rear footwells Lift the mats and press the carpet firmly. Any dampness indicates the common water leak issue. Also check under the boot floor.
Inspect rear sills and subframe for rust Look under the car near the rear suspension. Paint bubbling on sills is a warning sign. MOT failures for structural rust are documented.
Test clutch carefully (manual only) Feel the biting point - should be progressive, not high and vague. Any juddering indicates wear. Hill starts will reveal clutch slip.
Check brake discs for heavy corrosion Look through the wheels. Surface rust is normal but heavy pitting or lip formation means replacement is due soon.
Listen for exhaust noise A growling or droning noise from the rear indicates the silencer has failed and needs replacement.
Test all electric windows Operate each window fully up and down. Jerky movement indicates regulator problems.
If MMT automatic: extensive gearbox testing Drive for at least 20 minutes. Check for jerky shifts, hesitation, flashing N light, or getting stuck in gear. Any issues = walk away.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Accelerator pedal sticking (Feb 2005 - Aug 2009)Verify completed
Clutch corrosion - modified parts (early models)Verify completed
Fuel tank pinhole (23 Feb 2015, 30 Jun 2016)Verify completed
Contact Toyota with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The accelerator pedal recall from 2010 is particularly important for 2005-2009 models. Note: UK manual transmission Aygos were excluded from the accelerator recall. There are currently 13 safety recalls registered for the Toyota Aygo across all production years.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)Expired on all AB10 models
Paintwork warranty3 years standard (extendable to 12)
Toyota Relax warrantyUp to 10 years if serviced at Toyota
All first-generation Aygos (2005-2014) are outside their original factory warranty. The Toyota Relax warranty can extend coverage up to 10 years/100,000 miles if the car has been consistently serviced at Toyota dealers - check service history to confirm eligibility.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.