# Vauxhall Agila — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Vauxhall Agila on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/vauxhall-agila

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2012
- **Ideal trim**: SE
- **Target mileage**: 60,000

–90,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 4
- **Target price**: £3,000

## Why this model

The Vauxhall Agila is a fantastic little city car if you're looking for something super affordable, easy to drive, and cheap to run. It's basically a rebadged Suzuki Splash, which means it benefits from Suzuki's reputation for reliability. It's surprisingly spacious inside for its size, making it practical for shopping trips or short commutes. It's not going to win any races, but it's perfectly capable for urban driving and will happily potter along motorways too.

## What you should pay

For a 2012 Vauxhall Agila, you're looking at a very budget-friendly price point. Most good examples will fall between £2,500 and £3,500. Prices are quite stable now as it's already at the bottom of its depreciation curve, so you won't lose much money on it in the short term. Condition and mileage are key here, as a well-maintained example is worth paying a little extra for.

## Which trim to buy

The SE trim is usually the sweet spot for the Agila. It adds some nice-to-have features like air conditioning, electric front windows, and sometimes alloy wheels, without significantly increasing the price. The entry-level Expression can feel a bit basic, and the Club is a decent mid-range, but the SE offers the best balance of comfort and value for money on the used market.

## What to check before you buy

- Timing chain wear (especially on 1.0L engines, listen for rattles)
- Coil pack failures (can cause misfires)
- Exhaust system corrosion
- Rear spring corrosion
- General wear and tear on suspension components (bushes, shock absorbers)
- Minor electrical gremlins (e.g., central locking, window switches)

## Running costs

Running costs for the Agila are one of its biggest selling points. Fuel economy is excellent, with the 1.0L engine often achieving close to 60 mpg, and the 1.2L around 55 mpg. At current petrol prices (around £1.45/litre), that's roughly 12 pence per mile. Road tax (VED) is very low, typically £20-£30 per year for a 2012 model. Insurance groups are also very low (typically 2-5), making it one of the cheapest cars to insure, especially for new or younger drivers. Servicing and parts are generally inexpensive.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 68-94 hp
- **Mpg**: 55 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Good for its class
- **Safety Rating**: 4-star Euro NCAP (2008)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Expression | £8,000 | £2,000 | Radio/CD player; Power steering; Driver and passenger airbags |
| Club | £9,000 | £2,500 | Air conditioning; Electric front windows; Remote central locking |
| SE | £10,000 | £3,000 | Alloy wheels; Front fog lights; Heated electric door mirrors |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £3,000 | 0% |
| 2027 | £2,700 | 10% |
| 2028 | £2,450 | 18.3% |
| 2029 | £2,250 | 25% |
| 2030 | £2,000 | 33.3% |

The Agila is already well past its main depreciation curve. The 'sweet spot' for buying was years ago. Now, you're buying a car that has already lost most of its value, meaning your future depreciation will be minimal in absolute terms. It's a great choice if you want to minimise future financial loss on a budget car.

Total value lost since new: 33.3%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Suzuki Splash](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/suzuki-splash.md)
- [Hyundai i10](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/hyundai-i10.md)
- [Kia Picanto](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/kia-picanto.md)
- [Toyota Aygo](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/toyota-aygo.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.