2017 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · EY17 AAZ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 29 March 2026 with a single minor advisory concerning a nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover that was recorded as severely deteriorated. While this is recorded only as a minor item, it should not be ignored, as the dust cover exists to protect the joint from the ingress of water, road grit, and corrosive contaminants. Once the cover has perished or split, the underlying ball joint is exposed to accelerated wear and will typically require replacement of the complete linkage in the relatively near future. Considering the wider test history, the vehicle has now passed four consecutive MOT tests with only one recorded advisory and no advisories, failures, or refusals prior to the latest entry, indicating an overall stable and well-maintained trend rather than any worsening mechanical condition. The recorded mileage of 56,865 miles over approximately nine years equates to an annual average of around 6,318 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and consistent with modest private or mixed-use driving rather than high-mileage commuting or commercial operation. The MOT intervals reflect a three-year gap between 2022 and 2023, followed by annual tests through to 2026, which aligns with steady, moderate usage without any unusual rapid accumulation or extended periods of standing. At nearly nine years of age, however, it is worth noting that even moderate annual mileage does not prevent age-related degradation of rubber, plastics, and fluids, and the relatively low use means that some components may have aged more from calendar exposure than from mechanical wear. For a prospective buyer, the most pertinent inspection point stemming from the MOT record is the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage. On a test drive, listen for any knocking, rattling, or clonking noises from the front suspension, particularly when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, and pay attention to vagueness or imprecise turn-in during cornering, which can indicate worn anti-roll bar components. The linkage itself is a relatively inexpensive service item, typically replaced in pairs, and a pre-purchase inspection should include physically checking the ball joint for play by hand and visually confirming whether the deteriorated dust cover has already allowed moisture ingress and corrosion to take hold on the joint itself. Although the wear is currently on one side only, it is sensible to budget for replacement of both sides to ensure balanced handling. Given the vehicle's age and moderate usage, several age-related checks are also strongly recommended regardless of the clean MOT history. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, perishing, or small splits typical of rubber that has aged through calendar exposure even with adequate tread depth, and verify the manufacturing date code on the sidewall, as tyres over six years old should be replaced on safety grounds. Examine the brake discs for any significant surface corrosion, particularly around the outer edges, which is common on lightly used vehicles and may indicate binding or seized caliper sliders that prevent the pads from clearing the disc surface. Check the 12-volt battery for its manufacturing date and signs of weak cranking, as original batteries of this age are usually due for replacement. Finally, verify that the service book or digital record confirms regular replacement of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and timing or auxiliary components at the correct intervals, as these fluids degrade regardless of mileage and are critical to long-term reliability of the powertrain and braking system.