Toyota Aygo (2005 - 2014) 1.0 VVT-i (09) 5d (2009/09) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I care about the environment and the cost of motoring but want a quality car at a sensible price.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Very good looking and a small impact to the planet - so great.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes - definitely. The build quality and features for the price are amazing. It is good on long drives too, albeit a little buffeted in the wind at motorway speeds.
What are you likely to buy next?
Exactly the same. A Toyota Aygo. Although the Peugeot 107 and the Citroen C1 are also made in the same factory, I think the residual values of Toyota Aygo's are higher because they are made with Japanese parts where there are differences on the production line. Historically Japanese cars are more reliable than French cars so I think Aygo's hold their value better. This makes for cheaper PCP deals and so I can afford to stay in a new car for longer. With a 5-year warranty I have to get to work on time so it is perfect for me.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£6,500
When did you buy the car?
April 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
We got a very good deal because the dealer was able to match the price from an Internet car sales website. We also had them include some free servicing.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Practical and economical. Very easy to park. Cheap tax and insurance. Cheap servicing.
What was the dealer like?
Polite, clean, non-pushy. An ideal purchasing experience.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Surprisingly bright engine - 3 cylinders and only 1 litre so no Ferrari but fun nonetheless. Steering is responsive and brakes good enough. Gearbox well thought out - 3rd gear propels you onto fast dual carriageways or motorways very well. Suspension gets a little saggy when carrying 4 adults but it will fit four 6-footers which is amazing. All-round visibility is very good as the A and B pillars are narrow. Mirrors are very good and manually adjusted with joysticks. Seat is comfortable enough for long drives but side support of front seats is average. For the price - excellent.
What's it like to park?
A mentioned given its size and tight turning circle it is easy to park. If you have rear parking sensors (£20 kit from eBay works fine) it is even easier. Lots of people give up on spaces the Aygo can easily fit into. The clutch control is very light and parking and filtering in traffic shouldn't give you a tired leg.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
We had a problem with water ingress from the front doors into the front footwells which was sorted under warranty.
What's most practical about your car?
Fuel economy 58mpg average. 48 mpg in town and upto 65mpg on long motorway runs! £20 a year to tax (new models are free as they have even less emissions). It's a doodle to park especially with rear parking sensors. I can use spaces other people give up on.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
CD player with aux iPod input and rear parking sensors excellent. Bluetooth kit works very well too. Air conditioning increasingly a must in the UK good for clearing windows in winter too.
