When buying a used car it pays to be well informed. There are always particular issues and common problems for any car that you need to look out for, and this applies to the Toyota Aygo just as much as any other car. If you know what you are looking for then it is not too difficult to get a very clear picture of the condition that a vehicle is in, so that you can be sure to pay the right price and avoid buying a car with hidden problems that you didn’t notice during your test drive and inspection.
In this article, I will outline some of these most common faults and problems, as well as offer some other general tips for buyers looking to purchase a used Toyota Aygo.
Common Transmission Issues
According to Warranty Direct, there is one area of this vehicle where problems are especially common, and that is the transmission. The most likely symptom of a transmission problem will be the clutch slipping when you try to change gears. Cars that have been used primarily for city driving are especially susceptible to this kind of fault. You may also hear a whining noise from the gearbox, which indicates a fault that should have been fixed under the manufacturer’s three-year warranty. If the car has gone past the end of its warranty period and this issue has not been addressed then it is probably best for you to avoid buying the vehicle.
Tires issue
Another important place to check is the tires. Uneven tire wear and curb-damaged wheels are good indications that the suspension is misaligned.
Exhaust Valve Blockage Symptoms
Another common fault relates to the Exhaust Gas Re-Circulation valves, which can become blocked up by carbon deposits from the exhaust fumes. This, in turn, can cause a blockage in the inlet manifold. There are three symptoms of this fault to look out for – excessive amounts of black smoke coming from the exhaust, rough idling of the engine, and a slight smell of fuel in the cabin. You may also notice that the engine is running slightly hotter than you would expect.
Buyers of used Toyota Aygo cars manufactured between 1995 and 2005 may also like to check the VIN plates. This is because some cars were produced in Japan, and others in France. Some people have suggested that Japanese-made cars have a higher build quality and are more reliable. Japanese cars have VIN plates starting with JT, whereas French-made cars begin with VNK.