2012 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · EA62 WAJ

The 2012 Hyundai i20 presents a mixed picture of ongoing neglect in key structural areas, despite consistently passing its MOT. The most recent test on 27 June 2025 at 84,683 miles passed, but the record reveals a worsening trend in corrosion-related advisories rather than a resolving one. Rear shock absorber casings have been flagged as externally damaged and corroded in three consecutive tests since 2023, with rear coil spring corrosion appearing in 2025. Rear brake pipes have been repeatedly identified as corroded and obscured by grease or material since at least 2023. These are not one-off advisories; they point to a persistent failure to address underbody corrosion, which undermines long-term structural integrity. The mileage progression tells a straightforward story. From 75,149 miles in July 2022 to 84,683 miles in June 2025, the car has covered roughly 9,500 miles in nearly three years, averaging around 3,200 miles annually. That is well below the typical 6,000-mile yearly average expected for a vehicle of this age. The low annual mileage suggests prolonged periods of standing or very light use, which is often more damaging to a car than regular driving. Seals dry out, brake components seize, and standing water accelerates corrosion in ways that MOT advisories on shock absorbers and brake pipes clearly reflect. A buyer should treat the rear suspension and braking system as priority inspection points. The repeated corrosion on rear shock absorber casings and coil springs suggests the rear end has been exposed to standing moisture or road salt without adequate underbody protection. Have a technician inspect the rear shock absorbers for oil misting indicating seal failure, and check the coil springs for section loss or cracking under load. The rear brake pipe corrosion flagged across multiple tests is a genuine concern, particularly where contamination with grease or material may be masking the true extent of metal thinning. A pressure test of the rear hydraulic circuit is advisable before purchase. The 2023 failure for rear brake pads worn below 1.5 mm, combined with an advisory for an offside rear service brake binding, indicates the rear braking system has suffered from both neglect and mechanical imbalance. A binding caliper or seized slider pins could explain the uneven inner tyre wear noted on the offside rear across multiple tests. Inspect the rear caliper operation, slider mechanism, and handbrake linkage. The recurring inner edge wear on the offside rear tyre also warrants a full four-wheel alignment check, as rear suspension geometry may have shifted due to worn bushes or corroded spring seats.