2020 Hyundai Kona Premium GDI HEV S-A 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · CU70 UJC

The Hyundai Kona in question presents a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance history, with its most recent MOT—conducted just ten months ago on 18 July 2025 at 55,130 miles —showing a clean pass. However, this followed an immediate failure on 17 July 2025 at 55,120 miles , where the tester recorded service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i)) , indicating a critical but now apparently resolved issue. The prior two tests, in July 2024 and July 2023 , reveal a pattern of neglect in tyre upkeep, with the 2024 MOT flagging all four front tyres as worn close to the legal limit, with edge wear and cracking —a clear sign of irregular rotation or underinflation. While the 2023 test showed no defects, the recurrence of tyre faults suggests basic maintenance was overlooked, and the sudden brake failure in 2025 implies either deferred repairs or a latent issue in the hydraulic or friction material system. The vehicle’s mileage accumulation— 55,130 miles over six years , averaging roughly 9,188 miles annually —falls within typical expectations for its age, though the 110-mile jump between the 2025 tests hints at either a brief period of heavy use or a delay in addressing the brake failure. The 9,789-mile gap between the 2024 and 2025 MOTs (from 44,291 to 55,130 miles ) is unremarkable, but the absence of any recorded defects in 2023 followed by immediate tyre and brake issues in 2024 and 2025 raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven more aggressively post-2023 or simply not serviced properly. The lack of further advisories or defects beyond tyres and brakes also suggests no major structural or drivetrain concerns were identified, though the 2025 brake failure demands verification that the underlying cause—potentially worn pads, contaminated calipers, or fluid degradation—has been fully rectified. For a prospective buyer, the braking system must be the top priority, given the 2025 failure and the fact that brake efficiency issues often recur if not thoroughly diagnosed. Inspect for binding calipers, uneven pad wear, or fluid leaks , and request service records confirming the repair. The front tyres —though now likely replaced—should still be checked for residual edge wear or uneven tread , as this can indicate alignment or suspension issues. While no suspension components were flagged in the MOT, the tyre wear pattern in 2024 could imply worn suspension bushes or coil springs , so a thorough check of bushings, ball joints, and spring condition is advisable. Finally, given the HEV system’s reliance on battery health , verify the hybrid battery’s age and any recorded advisories, though the MOT history provides no indication of electrical or powertrain faults. The vehicle’s clean 2025 pass is encouraging, but the recent brake failure and tyre neglect suggest the previous owner may not have prioritised proactive maintenance.