2018 Hyundai I10 1.0L Petrol · EX18 VLS

The defining mechanical story of this Hyundai i10 centres on a persistent and worsening brake-related advisory trail that culminated in a recent failure. Across the 2023 and 2025 tests, wear advisories began with front brake pads approaching the legal limit and both front tyres showing edge wear, indicating uneven contact patterns often associated with suspension geometry drift or inconsistent pressure maintenance. By the 2026 test on 23 February, the vehicle initially failed on both front wiper blades clearing the windscreen ineffectively, accompanied by advisories for both front and rear brake discs showing pitting and scoring, plus a note that the rear service brake was binding. A re-test four days later, on 27 February, returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, confirming the wipers were rectified on the day. While the brake disc advisories were not categorised as majors at the time of testing, the trend of brake deterioration over three consecutive MOT cycles suggests the friction and hydraulic system is approaching a point where refurbishment or replacement should be budgeted for in the near term. With 39,804 miles accumulated over roughly eight years, this i10 averages around 4,976 miles per year, which is below the typical annual mileage for a city car of this class. Such restrained usage generally places less cumulative stress on the engine, clutch, and drivetrain internals, but it does carry implications for components that suffer from prolonged standing periods, including brake discs corroding on the surface, tyres developing flat spots, and rubber items hardening. There are no extended gaps between MOT tests, with annual entries since at least 2023 indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use and on the road throughout. Given the brake binding advisory recorded this year, the relatively modest mileage makes it worthwhile confirming whether the vehicle has been used consistently for short journeys, as this tends to accelerate rear brake corrosion and caliper slide pin seizure on small Hyundai models of this era. For a prospective buyer, the priority mechanical checks should focus on the braking system given the documented pattern. On a test drive, listen for any dragging or pulling sensation from the rear brakes when first releasing the pedal after cold start, and feel for the vehicle pulling to one side under moderate braking, which would indicate uneven caliper function or a stuck piston. The brake pedal should feel firm and progressive; any excessive travel or sponginess could point to the binding issue worsening. Inspect both front and rear discs visually for a pronounced lip on the circumference and for surface corrosion that has progressed beyond a light dusting, paying particular attention to the rear discs which often suffer most on low-mileage cars. Given the advisory on edge wear to both front tyres in 2023, check the current pair for uneven shoulder wear, which may suggest worn suspension bushes or weak top mounts that have developed over the intervening years, though no suspension components have been flagged on the MOT record itself. Beyond the braking system, the wiper failure that caused the recent initial rejection deserves attention. Verify both wiper blades sweep the full swept area cleanly without smearing or leaving un-wiped arcs, particularly on the driver and passenger side extremities. The general condition of the tyres should also be assessed, as edge wear noted on the fronts three years ago could have transferred to the current set if the underlying geometry issue was not addressed. Given the otherwise clean MOT record outside of brake and wiper items, this i10 presents as a structurally sound small car whose primary forthcoming expenditure will be centred on refreshing the brake discs and pads. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on caliper slide pins, handbrake mechanism, and a brake fluid moisture check would be a prudent use of funds given the binding advisory, while confirming the wiper linkage and motor operate smoothly through the full arc.