2009 Hyundai I20 1.4L Petrol · HIB 300

The 2009 Hyundai i20 passed its most recent MOT on 8 October 2025 at 44,215 miles, but the maintenance trend is not reassuring. The car failed the previous day at 44,206 miles on rear brake imbalance, worn and pitted rear discs, corroded brake pipes, and a binding nearside rear service brake. Although it passed the following morning, the tester still flagged corroded metal brake pipes on all four corners and corroded front lower suspension arms. These are not fresh defects. They are recurring corrosion issues that have persisted across multiple tests, suggesting the car has been kept roadworthy at a surface level rather than properly repaired. The pattern points to a worsening corrosion problem, not a resolving one. The mileage profile is unusual. At roughly 2,601 miles per year, the car has covered very little ground for a 17-year-old vehicle. The record shows 43,304 miles in October 2022, 43,700 in October 2023, 43,998 in October 2024, and 44,215 in October 2025. That is an increase of only about 900 miles over three years. Such low annual use often means long periods of standing, which accelerates corrosion of brake components, seals, and underbody structures. Short, infrequent trips also prevent the exhaust and engine from reaching proper operating temperatures, contributing to moisture build-up and internal corrosion within the exhaust system and brake lines. A buyer should treat the brake system as the primary concern. Corroded metal brake pipes appearing repeatedly across the 2024 and 2025 tests indicate the lines are deteriorating under the surface, even if they have not yet failed. The rear discs were pitted and worn in October 2025, and the nearside rear caliper was flagged as binding. These are not isolated consumable replacements. They suggest the rear braking circuit has been neglected or operating in a corrosive environment for some time. The front lower suspension arms and front sub-frame have also been noted as corroded, though not seriously weakened. Any in-person inspection should focus on the structural integrity of the sub-frame, the condition of all flexible and rigid brake hoses, and whether the rear calipers slide freely. Beyond the brakes, the low mileage does not guarantee a trouble-free car. A vehicle this age, sitting for long periods, will have aged rubber bushes, perished hoses, and potential moisture ingress into electrical connectors and the cabin. The rear brake hoses were flagged for slight corrosion to the ferrules in 2023, and rear pads were wearing thin at the same time. A thorough underbody inspection, a road test focusing on brake feel and pulling, and a check for uneven tyre wear from suspension wear are essential before purchase. The MOT record shows the car meets minimum legal standards, but the underlying corrosion trend suggests deferred maintenance rather than careful ownership.