Toyota Aygo II (AB40) (2014 – 2021)

Reliability score : 9.0/10

The second-generation Toyota Aygo (AB40) is an A-segment city car, the result of the renewed partnership between Toyota and the PSA group (Peugeot 108, Citroën C1 II). Produced at the Kolín factory (Czech Republic), it stands out from its French cousins with a bold design, characterized by a very pronounced “X” grille. Unlike PSA, which integrated its 1.2 PureTech engine under the hood of the 108 and C1, Toyota made the strategic choice to exclusively retain its own 3-cylinder 1.0 VVT-i (1KR-FE) engine. This choice proved successful: the Aygo II thus avoids the serious wet belt problems of the PSA block and establishes itself as one of the most reliable city cars of its generation. It benefited from a facelift in 2018 (revised light signature, improved sound insulation, and an engine power

✅ Strengths

Exceptional mechanical reliability (100% Toyota chain-driven engine)
Very low maintenance and insurance costs
Minimal fuel consumption (often under 5L/100km in real-world driving)
Perfect maneuverability and turning radius for city driving
Original and customizable design
Absence of the 1.2 PureTech engine (unlike the C1/108)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Ridiculous trunk volume (168 liters)
Imperfect sound insulation (wind and road noise on the highway)
Slow and jerky x-shift robotized gearbox
Very cramped rear seats (pop-out windows only)
Firm suspension at low speeds

🎯 Verdict

The Toyota Aygo II is a benchmark choice for anyone looking for an economical and trouble-free used city car. By refusing to adopt its partner PSA's 1.2 PureTech engine, Toyota preserved the reliability DNA of its model. The small 3-cylinder 1.0 VVT-i is indestructible if properly maintained. Buying advice: Prioritize a restyled version (after 2018) with 72 hp and a manual gearbox. The sound insulation is better, and the engine is smoother. If possible, avoid the x-shift robotized gearbox, whose slowness detracts from driving pleasure and tends to wear out the clutch faster. It's the ideal car for new drivers or as a second family vehicle.

Common issues

Fuite de la pompe à eau Medium

🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km

💶 300 – 500 €

Vérifier régulièrement le niveau de liquide de refroidissement et les traces de fuite.

Usure prématurée ou broutage de l'embrayage Medium

🔧 50 000 – 100 000 km

💶 800 – 1 500 €

Tester l'embrayage lors de l'essai routier, vérifier la souplesse et le point de patinage.

Corrosion du système d'échappement (silencieux arrière) Low

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 200 – 400 €

Inspecter visuellement l'échappement pour la rouille ou les perforations avant l'achat.

Usure des amortisseurs arrière Medium

🔧 80 000 – 120 000 km

💶 300 – 500 € (la paire)

Écouter les bruits de suspension et vérifier la tenue de route sur routes dégradées.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Clutch	£700 – 1 300
Complete brakes	£250 – 450
Estimated annual budget	£300 – 650

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.