2014 Hyundai IX35 2.0L Diesel · EN14 XKA

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 May 2026 resulted in a pass, with a single advisory noting an oil leak not considered excessive. Looking at the broader pattern across the last several tests, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable but with mounting concerns that a prospective buyer should not overlook. The earlier tests from 2021 and 2022 were notably clean, with no advisories recorded at all, but the vehicle has since accumulated a steady stream of minor defects, advisories, and one Major failure. The repeated appearance of suspension arm bushes, track rod end dust covers, brake pad wear, and headlamp lens deterioration suggests that certain wear items are reaching the natural end of their service life at this mileage and age, which is consistent with a vehicle approaching the point where more comprehensive refresh work may be required. The recorded mileage of 100,399 miles over roughly twelve years equates to approximately 8,367 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of this vintage and not a cause for concern in isolation. There is no evidence in the MOT history of unusually rapid accumulation or extended periods of standing idle, both of which can introduce their own mechanical issues. That said, even average annual mileage on a twelve year old vehicle will have taken a predictable toll on major wear items such as suspension bushes, dampers, brake discs and pads, clutches (if manual), and exhaust components, so a thorough physical inspection remains essential rather than relying on the MOT certificate alone. The most significant recurring issue across the history relates to the front suspension and steering, with advisories recorded for both offside and nearside inner suspension arm pins or bushes in July 2024, alongside a Major failure for an excessively deteriorated nearside front track rod end dust cover and a Minor for the offside equivalent. A buyer should therefore pay particular attention to the front end on a test drive, listening for any knocking or clonking over bumps, particularly at low speed, and feeling for vagueness or imprecise steering response. Given that the advisory noted the wear was not yet resulting in excessive movement, a competent inspection on a ramp would be prudent to assess how much life remains in these components before they require replacement. Uneven inner or outer tyre wear, particularly on the nearside front, would be a tell-tale sign that the geometry has been compromised. The braking system has also begun to show its age, with advisories in July 2025 for nearside and offside front brake pads wearing thin, meaning a pad replacement is likely due imminently. On a test drive, listen for any brake squeal or grinding, and feel for any juddering or pulling under heavy braking, which would indicate disc wear or a binding caliper. The oil leak flagged in May 2026 warrants a visual inspection underneath the vehicle for drips on the sump, rocker cover, or oil filter housing, and the dipstick should be checked to confirm oil level is within specification. Beyond these specific items, the age of the vehicle demands attention to time-based degradation regardless of mileage, including perishing or cracking of tyre sidewalls, the condition of the 12 volt battery which typically fails between five and seven years, the state of all fluid systems including brake fluid which should be renewed every two years, and the underside for any surface corrosion that could develop into a structural concern. Verifying a full service history with stamps at the correct intervals would also be highly advisable to confirm that timing belts, if applicable, and other major scheduled items have been addressed.