USED Toyota Aygo Hatchback (05 - )

My car

Ok, my Aygo has been the length of the country and even on a NY's trip to Bruhl and Cologne via Amsterdam city centre then back home.

Pros? Love the concept, the cheeky looks and its frugal-stripped down nature. Cheeky thrum of its 3 cylinder engine. Honest and was never bullied whilst out on the road.

disliked the clunk of the wheel against the stop on full-lock General cheap finishing materials. I honestly believe that post-40k miles it would become a oil-eater. Skittish nature of the eco-tyres/. Crunch on reverse unless you pause (everytime) before selecting. Toyota's servicing costs. Why is it so expensive? Close to £200. Why?! Mpg was more 43mpg than 61mpg.

Cheap OEM stereo sound. Numerous rattles developing by just 14,000miles (speedo plastic lens constant- had to sellotape to stop). Squeeking seats; Driver and front passenger. Groaning of glass hatch against tub through hard/bumpy-corners. Inability to crawl in rush hour traffic in second (not enough torque) whilst changing down to 1st meant a jerky-experience.

Toyota, it seems as though the designers designed a concept to be back-to-basics and cheeky then Accounts came in and stripped back on costs and materials.

The Panda is soo much better in town/town traffic.

My thoughts? Great as a second/third car. Sadly others do it all better for the same or even less.

I see the Aygo as the modern-day 2CV. Character but quite flawed.

My car

Fantastic budget motoring. Went from a Leon Cupra, running costs were high, e.g. £50 to fill with fuel, only 29mpg. Tyres £100 each, servicing £150+, etc. I've owned the Aygo for 18months, it costs about £33 to fill with fuel (used to be £29, flaming fuel increases), tyres are around £40, servicing less than £100. The absolute best bit is the minimum 45mpg and the £35 a year road tax. If your car is just needed to get you from A-B, then why spend a fortune?

My car

UPDATE: 2006-2008. I am truly happy to report that after two years of putting my car through rigorous daily use up motorways and A roads and almost covering 40,000 miles now, I am still extremely happy with my Aygo as the first day I got it. Simply Excellent!!

It has never once let me down. Starting always first time -even in the coldest and wettest of mornings- Brilliant. Apart from a slight problem with the boot lock which was fixed immediately under warranty, the car has not suffered from any manufacturing faults- whether mechanical or electrical, to date. A testament to Toyota's reputation.

Running costs are excellent and my local dealership here in Manchester is truly superb. Reasonable rates, willing to price match and moreover, the level of customer service is excellent once again. They even give you a courtesy call to remind you when they think your car is due a service. How wonderful is that? Never had that kind of customer service with BMW - sorry.

Overall, based on my experiences to date I would not hesitate in recommending the Aygo to anyone. Kudos Toyota!! This is one very happy customer!

My car

I bought my Aygo Black 3dr to replace my 1995 VW Golf which I had owned for a year. I am 6ft3 and test drove a used Corsa and other similar small cars and found that in the Aygo, I had more legroom. I have done 8500miles and have had next to no problems. At one point in crunched big time going into reverse so Toyota took it in and replaced the clutch under warranty without so much as a frown. Needed new front tyres last week so wasn't sure that was right but have read other reviews which asy they only last about 10000 miles. One of the tyres was worn excessivly so Toyota took the car in and gave it the once over but found nothing so they have contacted Toyota Technics or something and am waiting to hear something back. Apart from that, this is a truely brilliant car. I have had 4 adults in it with no moans or groans. The engine sounds like a cross between a sewing machine and a sports car (hence my car is named 'Growler'!!!) To drive it is brilliant, like a little go cart. It costs me £33 to fill up once its on the last of the 6 bricks (When it gets to this brick it starts flashing!!) I recently did exactly 400 miles on one tank of petrol! Not bad and it held its own on the motorway. It will do 50 in 2nd gear and 70 in 3rd without hitting the red limit (the sport i test drove at the dealership had a rev counter!) and its punchy on the overtakes. Overall its a definate 10/10, all is forgiven when you get back behind the wheel and start driviing again.