2016 Hyundai I20 1.0L Petrol · AV66 EAM

The Hyundai i20 presents a mixed mechanical picture that warrants close inspection before purchase. The most recent test on 10 September 2025 was a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, following an identical clean pass in September 2024. However, the 2023 test cycle revealed a more concerning episode: a failure was recorded on 14 September 2023 for an inoperative nearside parking brake, and the same date also lists three advisories covering nearside and offside front tyres worn close to the legal limit and rear brake discs showing wear. The subsequent test on the same day registered as a pass, suggesting the parking brake issue was rectified promptly. Across the broader history, brake-related advisories have appeared at multiple test points, including front and rear brake disc wear noted in September 2022, and a nearside rear tyre advisory in September 2020. The presence of recurring brake component advisories, combined with the 2023 parking brake failure, suggests the braking system should be the focal point of any pre-purchase evaluation, even though the two most recent tests show no recorded defects. Annual mileage for this ten-year-old vehicle stands at approximately 8,461 miles, which is broadly typical for its age and indicates consistent, regular use rather than long periods of standing or unusually high wear-inducing mileage. The MOT testing cadence shows annual tests from 2019 onwards with no significant gaps, which is consistent with a vehicle that has remained in continuous use throughout its recorded history. At 84,611 miles, the i20 has accumulated moderate wear on its major consumables, and the brake disc advisories from 2022 and 2023 align with what would be expected at this mileage level. The absence of mileage gaps suggests that suspension bushes, engine mounts, and drivetrain components have not been subjected to the additional stress that comes with prolonged inactivity followed by sudden use, though they will nonetheless have experienced normal service life wear. For a prospective buyer, the brake system demands immediate and thorough physical inspection given its repeated appearance in the advisory history. The rear brake discs were flagged for wear in both 2022 and 2023, and although the 2024 and 2025 tests recorded no defects, the discs may now be approaching or exceeding their second or third replacement threshold depending on the quality of any work carried out. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the brake pedal, and check for pulling to one side under braking which could indicate a binding caliper, particularly following the 2023 nearside parking brake failure. Inspect the rear discs directly for lip formation, scoring, or excessive runout, and confirm the handbrake holds firmly on an incline without creeping. The parking brake mechanism itself, including the cable and rear caliper actuators, should be exercised multiple times to confirm consistent operation rather than a one-off fix. The tyre wear pattern noted in 2023, affecting both front tyres on their inner and outer edges, is worth investigating as it can indicate suspension geometry issues rather than simple tyre ageing. Uneven edge wear often points to worn suspension bushes, droop links, or tracking misalignment, and given the typical mileage of this vehicle, suspension components are approaching the age where deterioration becomes common. On test, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, and check for excessive play in the steering. Tyres should also be inspected for matching brand, size, and tread depth across both axles, with particular attention to inner shoulder wear which can be masked from a casual glance. Finally, verify that any brake or suspension rectification work carried out after the 2023 failure was completed with quality replacement parts, and obtain documentation where possible, as the mechanical story here is one of largely compliant roadworthiness with a brake and tyre wear pattern that will need ongoing monitoring.