2012 Hyundai IX35 1.7L Diesel · CP12 XTR

A recurring weakness in the parking brake and rear suspension dominates the MOT record, highlighted by a dangerous failure for parking‑brake efficiency in March 2025 and repeated advisories for a corroded rear coil spring, a loose rear exhaust heat‑shield and rear‑brake‑disc wear in the April 2025 test. Although the vehicle passed that most recent inspection, the concentration of safety‑critical items suggests that the underlying condition has not been fully resolved and may deteriorate further if left unattended. With 134,466 mi recorded over fourteen years the average annual mileage sits around 9,600 mi, a figure that aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history shows regular annual testing with no significant gaps, indicating the mileage figure is likely reliable and the car has not experienced prolonged periods of inactivity that could conceal hidden deterioration. This moderate mileage implies that consumables such as brakes, tyres and suspension components are likely approaching the later stages of their service life, especially where specific wear has already been flagged. On a test drive the buyer should listen for any clunking or knocking over bumps that could betray corrosion‑related weakness in the rear coil springs or associated bushings, and feel for any pull or shudder when applying the handbrake, which would confirm the parking‑brake inefficiency noted in 2025. A visual inspection under the engine should reveal any fresh oil stains that would corroborate the ongoing oil‑leak advisory, while a close look at the rear exhaust area should expose rattles from the slightly loose heat‑shield. The rear brake discs, already described as worn, pitted and scored, may produce a pulsating pedal or high‑pitched squeal under moderate braking; the front tyres, flagged as near the legal limit on both sides, could generate vibration at higher speeds if the tread is uneven. A prudent pre‑purchase inspection should therefore include a full oil‑leak diagnosis and repair, replacement or refurbishment of the corroded rear coil springs and any compromised suspension mounts, and a complete overhaul of the rear brake discs and pads. The parking‑brake system will need adjustment or cable replacement to restore required efficiency, and all exterior lamps must be verified as operational given the 2022 lamp failures. Finally, the tyre set should be replaced or resurfaced to eliminate edge‑wear and ensure consistent grip, while confirming that the undertrays are securely fitted and not contributing to corrosion or water ingress. Addressing these items will bring the vehicle into a more reliable road‑worthy state for a prospective buyer.