2008 Hyundai I30 1.6L Diesel · EK08 KXG
2008 Hyundai I30 (1.6L, diesel). First registered 01/03/2008. Recorded mileage 164,188 miles. MOT valid until 10/02/2027. Taxed until 01/12/2026.
- Make & Model
- HYUNDAI I30
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Chelmsford
- MOT Status
- Valid until 10/02/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/12/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 164,188 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2008
- Engine
- 1582cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
EK08 KXG Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/02/2026
- 164,188 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
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EK08 KXG Mileage History
- 09/02/2023133,232 mi
- 24/01/2024136,647 mi+3,415 mi
- 10/02/2025151,462 mi+14,815 mi
- 04/02/2026164,184 mi+12,722 mi
- 05/02/2026164,188 mi+4 mi
Average of roughly 10,352 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
EK08 KXG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Hyundai I30 (EK08 KXG) between February 2023 and February 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 05 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (10 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
We would advise caution when considering
Given the recent failure for both nearside and offside front lower suspension ball joints being excessively worn, any inspection should begin with a thorough check of the front suspension, including a careful look at the control arms, wishbones and all associated joints. The cost of replacing both ball joints, combined with a likely geometry check afterwards, could easily run into several hundred pounds, so factor this into your offer or use it as a negotiating point.
The recurring brake binding advisories across the 2025 and 2026 MOTs are worth investigating. Binding brakes can be caused by stuck caliper sliders, seized caliper pistons, or corroded handbrake mechanisms, and the 16 percent handbrake efficiency reading is also well below the 25 percent threshold many garages look for as a healthy minimum. Ask the seller whether the handbrake cables or rear calipers have been replaced recently, and budget for remedial work if not.
Finally, confirm the service history independently. The MOT record alone cannot establish how regularly the oil and filters have been changed on a high-mileage diesel, and on a 1.6 CRDi engine with this kind of mileage, evidence of timely cambelt or timing chain servicing (depending on which variant this is) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) attention is essential. Walk away if the seller cannot produce supporting invoices.
Fuel economy for the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel i30 is typically in the 50-60 mpg range on a run, dropping into the low 40s around town, which is competitive for the class. With 164,000 miles behind it, real-world economy may now be noticeably worse than the brochure figures if the injectors, turbo or DPF are showing their age.
Road tax for a 1582cc diesel of this age falls into a relatively modest bracket, and the i30 sits in a reasonable insurance group, so the fixed costs are not excessive. However, the bigger financial concern is maintenance: parts for suspension, braking and DPF-related work on a diesel of this age and mileage can add up quickly, and a £500 bill for brake or suspension repairs is not unusual.
We would estimate total annual running costs of roughly £1,800-£2,400, including fuel, tax, insurance and a realistic allowance for wear-and-tear maintenance. This is higher than for a younger i30 simply because of the vehicle's age and mileage.
Begin with the front suspension: both lower ball joints were flagged as excessively worn at the most recent MOT, and these are safety-critical items. Jack the car up and check for play in the joints by hand, and look for perished gaiters on the front struts. The anti-roll bar linkage dust covers were also noted as severely deteriorated in 2024, so inspect those bushes and drop links for any knocking or movement over bumps.
Brakes deserve close attention given the persistent binding advisories. With the wheels off, check that the caliper sliders move freely and that the caliper pistons retract cleanly; a sticking caliper will cause uneven pad wear and pull the car under braking. The handbrake efficiency at 16 percent is a concern too — try the handbrake on a slope and see how many clicks it takes to hold the car, and have the rear drums or caliper mechanism inspected.
Finally, on a high-mileage diesel of this age, listen for any unusual noises from the timing chain area on cold start, check for excessive smoke from the exhaust (especially under load), and confirm that the DPF is functioning by taking a long enough test drive for it to reach regeneration temperature. An oil leak was also noted as not-excessive at the last MOT, so inspect the underside for fresh drips and check the oil level on the dipstick.
This red 1.6-litre diesel Hyundai i30 has covered 164,188 miles across 18 years of use, considerably above what the average i30 (7,187 miles per year) would accumulate over the same period. The MOT record shows five tests, of which one resulted in a failure in February 2026, with the same vehicle passing the following day after likely repairs to suspension ball joints. Several advisories have appeared across consecutive tests, including brake binding issues noted at three of the last four MOTs, which may indicate an underlying problem rather than isolated wear.
The Hyundai i30 has a broadly positive reputation for reliability, with an aggregate MOT pass rate of 78.1% across over 111,000 vehicles analysed, though common failure points include tyres, brake pads and suspension arms. This particular example's recent issues align with the model's typical wear items rather than indicating a fundamental design flaw.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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