Used Toyota Aygo Review | Auto-Express

The Toyota Aygo was first launched in 2005 and was a success – its funky looks, extremely low running costs, excellent reliability and attractiveness for young drivers were all factors. It remains a decent used choice and there are some very affordable examples in the used first generation car market.

The second generation model took up the theme of the car and ran with it. An even more dramatic look added even more appeal, and thanks to the ongoing agreement between Toyota, Citroen and Peugeot (for the Aygo, C1 and 108 respectively to share a platform), the Mk2 Aygo has been developed as well as the first. It also had more safety equipment, was quieter inside, had more space and, most importantly, was very cheap.

Used models are also inexpensive and make a fantastic first car because the small 1.0 liter engines are cheap to insure. The small engines also ensure impressive fuel consumption, so overall operating costs are very low. The Aygo should also be a reliable car.

Models covered

• • Toyota Aygo Mk1 (2005-2014) – The Mk1 version of the city car is a fun choice for thrifty drivers.
• • Toyota Aygo Mk2 (2014 date) – The trendy Aygo Mk2 city car is an inexpensive choice.

Toyota Aygo Mk2

story

The second generation Toyota Aygo was launched in the summer of 2014 and uses a 1.0 liter gasoline engine with either a five-speed manual or an automated manual transmission called the x-Shift. It’s functionally the same as an automatic in that you don’t have to shift gears yourself, but it’s not as smooth as most real automatic transmissions.

There was a choice of three or five doors and the decorative elements x, x-play or x-pression as well as the special editions x-cite and x-clusiv. In August 2015, Toyota’s Safety Sense package became optional for all models with AEB, lane departure warning and forward collision warning.

A revised Aygo came onto the market in 2018 with the specifications x, x-play, x-press, x-plore, x-cite and x-clusiv. There were also the editions x-claim, x-wave and x-pure.

Toyota Aygo Mk2 reviews

Toyota Aygo detailed testToyota Aygo 1.0 x-clusiv testToyota Aygo 1.0 x-pression testToyota Aygo 1.0 x test

Which one should I buy?

The second-generation Aygo has an easy range – there’s an engine, a 1.0-liter petrol, and either a manual or automatic transmission. The manual is more common and better buy, but if you only have a car license you can choose the automatic version.

You can also choose models with three or five doors. The latter is a better choice for most as it’s more practical and therefore more popular, but you can get a bargain on a three-door if you don’t need the back doors much.

Entry-level Aygos are pretty spartan; Their only key element is power windows in the front. Mid-range X-Play cars get a DAB radio, air conditioning, Bluetooth and electric mirrors. The x-pression adds alloys, partial leather trim and an infotainment touchscreen with a parking camera.

Alternatives to the Toyota Aygo Mk2

The Hyundai i10 and its cousin, the Kia Picanto, come with long warranties like the Aygo, and it’s easy to find models with plenty of time left. These cars are good to drive, practical, and have better interiors than the Aygo, but aren’t as quirky or interesting.

The Volkswagen up !, Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii are fantastic city cars and bring sophistication, bold styling, strength and reliability. All three are basically the same car, so price is the main factor, but we like all three more than any other used city car.

You can also buy a Citroen C1 or Peugeot 108, which are made on the same production line as the Aygo. Designs and prices are slightly different from the Toyota, and they come with a three-year warranty compared to the five-year Japanese offering.

Look what

Shocks

Some early Aygos had rattling rear dampers; new ones should be installed as part of the warranty.

Navi

The optional navigation is a TomTom-based system. Even so, traders charge around £ 150 to upgrade it.

Lock

The tailgate lock can slip so that you cannot get into the trunk. Customization is all that is needed.

guarantee

Aygo’s five year manufacturer’s warranty has a limit of 100,000 miles and there is also a 12 year corrosion protection warranty.

Inner

There is room for four people if your passengers are not tall; the rear has seat belts and headrests for only two people. The rising window line can look claustrophobic at the back, while the side windows pop open instead of shut down. The entry-level models lack the driver’s seat height adjustment, and the trunk volume is below average at 168 and 812 liters.

Prices

Check out the latest Toyota Aygo prices on our sister site BuyaCar or use our free valuation tool to find out prices for specific models …

Running costs

Service is required every year or 10,000 miles. There are three levels of maintenance: Intermediate (£ 145), Full (£ 255) and Full + (£ 295), with the latter due at 60,000 and 100,000 miles.

Prepaid service plans start at £ 15 a month, but once an Aygo reaches their fifth birthday they are eligible for inexpensive maintenance for £ 99 for a mid-term inspection and £ 180 for a major inspection.

There is no timing belt to change, which keeps running costs low, but fresh coolant is required after 100,000 miles and then every 50,000 miles for £ 75.

Air conditioning refueling will cost you £ 130, while full air conditioning service will cost you £ 170.

Recalls

There was only one recall for the second generation Aygo that happened in June 2016. Cars built in September and October 2014 where the steering column could fail and lose control were affected.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The Aygo took 43rd place in Driver Power’s 2018 New Car Survey. Owners loved its extremely low running costs, infotainment and connectivity. However, the car was not among the 75 best cars of 2020. The mechanically identical Citroen C1, however, took 72nd place.

verdict

If you consider that the second-generation Aygo is only equipped with a 1.0-liter petrol engine, which is coupled with either a manual or automatic transmission, the range of variations on the subject is surprisingly large. Since its introduction, there have been many permutations and combinations of equipment options, special editions, door configurations, roof design (solid metal or sliding sheet) and gears. But every well-groomed Aygo is worth a closer look; The pint-sized Toyota was voted the best city car by our readers in Driver Power’s 2017 driver satisfaction survey. While not really suitable for long distance journeys, the Aygo is perfect for short journeys thanks to its low running costs and small proportions that make parking a breeze.

Click here for our full Toyota Aygo Mk1 used buying guide …