2009 Hyundai I10 1.2L Petrol · EO09 MLE

The vehicle's most recent MOT test on 29 October 2025 resulted in a pass, although it carried forward two advisories from the previous assessment, namely a slightly noisy offside front wheel bearing and brake pipe corrosion at both rear locations. While the absence of any current failure items is encouraging, the underlying pattern across recent tests reveals a gradual accumulation of advisories relating to front suspension corrosion, particularly the offside Macpherson strut and coil spring, which have been flagged every year since 2021. The earlier 2021 test did include dangerous and major defects, namely complete stop lamp failure and substandard parking brake efficiency, but these appear to have been remedied at subsequent tests. Overall, the maintenance trend can be described as broadly stable with notable progressive deterioration in the front suspension assembly and minor electrical issues such as the centre brake light failure recorded in late 2025, suggesting that while the vehicle remains legally compliant, it is exhibiting clear age-related wear that warrants careful pre-purchase evaluation. The recorded mileage of 128,050 miles over 17 years equates to an average annual usage of approximately 7,532 miles per year, which sits broadly within the expected range for a city-oriented Hyundai i10 of this vintage. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing history that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, which is positive as it reduces the likelihood of severe brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, or perished fuel system hoses. However, the consistent year-on-year accumulation of mileage does mean that ordinary service items such as timing components, clutch friction plate, and engine mountings will have experienced substantial cumulative wear. The i10 is a mechanically straightforward vehicle, but at this mileage the engine and gearbox internals deserve particular attention during any road evaluation. Given the recurring advisories relating to the offside front Macpherson strut, coil spring corrosion, and upper strut mounting, a prospective buyer should conduct a focused inspection of the front suspension. Listen for clonking or knocking noises over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would indicate that the strut mounting play noted in 2024 has progressed to the point of requiring replacement. Pay attention to the vehicle's behaviour under braking, as the front brake disc wear advisory from 2022 and the recent brake pipe corrosion item suggest the braking system has been subjected to typical high-mileage wear, with potential for brake shudder, pull to one side, or a soft pedal feel if further deterioration has occurred. The slightly noisy offside front wheel bearing should be evaluated at various speeds and during cornering, as a rumbling or droning noise that increases with speed or load is indicative of progressive bearing failure requiring prompt attention to prevent seizure. Additional checks appropriate to this 17-year-old vehicle include close inspection of tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking, particularly given the advisory recorded in 2021 regarding rear tyre damage, as tyres older than five years frequently exhibit rubber degradation regardless of tread depth. The headlamp lens defects noted across multiple tests may now have progressed to a point where lens refurbishment or replacement would improve both safety and MOT compliance. Verify that the recent centre brake light fault has been properly rectified with a functioning bulb and intact wiring, as intermittent electrical faults can re-emerge. Given that the vehicle has covered substantial mileage, confirm that the cambelt or timing chain, depending on specification, has been replaced according to manufacturer schedules, and inspect the coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil for age-related degradation, requesting evidence of recent servicing. A roadworthy i10 of this age and mileage remains a viable purchase, provided these specific recurring issues are either addressed prior to purchase or reflected in the negotiation of an appropriate price.