2012 Hyundai IX35 1.7L Diesel · CE62 FSC

The most recent DVSA test on 31 October 2024 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which on the surface presents a reassuring picture. However, evaluating the trend across the available history shows a maintenance profile that has been broadly stable but with recurring advisories that point to wear items that have not yet become failures. The 2023 test recorded both an oil leak and nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint play, while 2020 logged similar nearside front ball joint play, and 2022 flagged the offside equivalent as well as rear brake disc wear. Taken together, the front suspension lower arm ball joints and rear brake discs are the recurring themes. The fact that the 2024 test returned a clean pass suggests either that remedial work was carried out between tests or that the items have not deteriorated to advisory level again, but the buyer should not assume the underlying concerns have been resolved without verification. At 186,126 miles over approximately 14 years, this Hyundai ix35 has covered an average of around 13,295 miles per year, which is genuinely high for its age and places the vehicle firmly in the upper quartile of usage for its cohort. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest long periods of standing, and the relatively continuous annual testing implies steady operational use. High annual mileage of this nature accelerates the degradation of wear components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs, clutch assemblies (where applicable), and drivetrain mountings, and it also shortens service intervals for oils, filters and brake fluid. Diesel examples of this vehicle, if applicable, would warrant particular attention to dual mass flywheel behaviour, turbocharger condition and injector wear at this mileage level, while petrol variants would merit close inspection of timing chain stretch and oil consumption. Given the recurring advisories on the lower suspension arm ball joints, a prospective buyer should physically inspect both sides of the front suspension, paying particular attention to the lower control arms for any perished or split rubber bushes, corroded pressed-steel components, or fresh grease around ball joint boots. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks emanating from the front end when traversing speed humps, rough tarmac or during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, and feel for vague or wandering steering response which can indicate excessive joint wear. The 2022 advisory for pitted and scored rear brake discs is significant because disc wear tends to worsen progressively; on inspection, run a finger along the outer edge of the rear discs to gauge lip depth and feel for a noticeable ridge, and during the road test listen for grinding noises and feel for any shudder through the brake pedal under firm application. Binding rear calipers are also worth checking by confirming the rear discs rotate freely by hand when the vehicle is jacked and the handbrake is released. Beyond the flagged items, this mileage and age warrant thorough checks of all time-based consumables regardless of MOT outcome. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should have been renewed biennially regardless of mileage; verify the fluid colour and date code where possible. The 12V battery is approaching or beyond typical service life and a load test or date code inspection is prudent, particularly as weak batteries can mask electrical faults. Inspect all tyres closely for sidewall cracking, perishing and dry rot which develop with age irrespective of tread depth, and check the production date codes on the sidewalls. Examine the exhaust system for corrosion at joints, mounts and the catalytic converter area, and look for any oil residue beneath the engine bay consistent with the 2023 oil leak advisory, paying particular attention to the sump, cam cover gasket and front crankshaft seal. Finally, confirm a full documented service history with stamps or invoices at appropriate intervals, as high-mileage examples are entirely dependent upon consistent fluid and filter changes to remain mechanically sound.