2003 Hyundai Santa FE 2.0L Diesel · WA53 AJY

The vehicle shows a history of recurring mechanical and structural wear, particularly concentrated in the front suspension. The most recent recorded test from January 2022 at 162,777 miles is over four years old, which creates a significant gap in data regarding current roadworthiness. During that final inspection, the tester noted wear on both front Macpherson strut pins and bushes. This follows a long-term trend of deteriorating suspension components, including ball joint dust covers flagged back to 2017 and 2018. The persistence of these issues suggests that the front suspension assembly is reaching the end of its effective service life. At 162,777 miles over 23 years, the Santa Fe has averaged roughly 7,000 miles per year, which is consistent with a vehicle of this age. However, the interval between the 2021 and 2022 tests shows only 19,000 miles covered, while the four-year lapse since the last MOT indicates the vehicle may have sat. The 2019 records recorded a failure due to the steering rack inner joints and a corroded nearside front brake pipe, which were addressed before the subsequent pass. The presence of an oil leak in 2019, though described as not excessive, remains a factor to monitor as the mileage increases. Braking components have been a recurring point of concern, with thin rear pads and a long parking brake noted in 2019. Corrosion on the brake pipes was documented as early as 2012, indicating a vulnerability to rust in the lines of this model. Given the age of the vehicle and the lack of recent inspection data, a buyer must verify the structural integrity of the sills and the condition of the brake lines. The mechanical history of worn ball joints and strut bushes indicates that while the vehicle has been maintained, it requires consistent investment to maintain safe handling standards.