2009 Hyundai Santafe 2.2L Diesel · EA59 XUL

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2025-11-28, but the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The same test that passed the car also recorded multiple tyre defects, seat belt damage, and suspension component issues — including a missing locking device on the nearside front ball joint — which were not present in the prior year’s pass. The failure recorded just three weeks earlier, at nearly identical mileage, confirms a pattern of escalating mechanical concerns, particularly around suspension joints and tyre condition, suggesting either deferred repairs or ongoing wear without intervention. Mileage progression shows a steady annual average of roughly 7,300 miles, which is typical for a 17-year-old SUV. The jump from 109,896 miles in December 2022 to 119,165 miles in December 2024 — a 9,269-mile increase over two years — aligns with normal usage, with no evidence of rapid or suspicious mileage accumulation. The 2025 test occurred just 3 miles after the prior failure, indicating the vehicle was driven immediately after the repair work, which is consistent with standard MOT retest procedures. No gaps in testing or unexplained mileage jumps are evident in the record. Buyers should inspect the nearside front suspension system closely, particularly the track rod end and ball joint, as these components showed excessive play in the 2025 failure and were previously flagged in 2024. The nearside front position lamp failure and missing locking pin are also structural safety concerns that require immediate attention. Tyre condition is a recurring issue — multiple tyres are worn to or near legal limits, with cuts and cracking noted — suggesting the previous owner may have neglected replacement or rotation. Brake calipers and suspension bushes should be checked for binding or wear, especially given the history of suspension component faults and the age of the vehicle. The absence of defects in the 2023 test indicates a period of good maintenance, but the subsequent failures reveal a decline in upkeep. Buyers should verify that all suspension components, including control arms and shock absorbers, have been replaced or serviced, and that all tyres meet the legal tread depth and structural integrity standards. Corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and suspension mounts, should also be assessed, as these are common failure points on vehicles of this age and mileage.