2021 Hyundai Santa FE Ultimate HEV Auto 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · FD21 XRB

A completely clean bill of roadworthiness defines this Santa Fe across its recorded test history, with both the 2025-05-29 and 2024-06-17 MOT tests passing without a single advisory, advisory-worthy defect, or failure item. Two consecutive clean passes at a one-year interval is a positive indicator of structural and component condition, demonstrating that no items deteriorated to the threshold of concern across that testing window. For a hybrid family SUV now five years old, an absence of corrosion advisories, suspension component warnings, or brake-related observations is reassuring, as these are the typical early-life issues that surface on chassis-driven vehicles in the UK climate. Recorded mileage of 23,100 miles against a five-year age equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 4,620 miles, which sits well below the national average for a vehicle of this type. The MOT history shows no lapsed tests and a consistent annual testing cadence, suggesting the vehicle has remained in active road use rather than being laid up for extended periods, even if each journey has been relatively short. Light usage of this nature reduces cumulative wear on pads, discs, tyres, clutch components, and drivetrain internals, but does place greater emphasis on items that degrade through age rather than mileage, such as rubber boots, polymer bushes, brake fluid condition, and the 12V auxiliary battery supporting the hybrid system. The lack of any mileage-based advisories across the recorded tests aligns well with this gentle usage profile. For a prospective purchaser, a targeted physical inspection should still focus on the components most prone to age-related deterioration rather than wear. Pay particular attention to the condition of the suspension bushes, particularly the rear trailing arm and lower control arm linkages, by listening for clonks or knocking over uneven surfaces at low speed and during full steering lock inputs. Check the rear and underbody brake flexible hoses for surface cracking or perishing, as these are rubber items that harden with age regardless of mileage, and inspect the front discs for any lip formation or surface corrosion that could cause pedal judder under firm braking. Inspect all four coil springs for any signs of corrosion pitting or fracture, particularly given the five-year age, and verify the operation of the regenerative braking system transitions smoothly without warning grab or ABS intervention under light pedal pressure. The hybrid-specific elements also warrant focused checks despite the clean MOT history, as these are not covered within the standard test scope. Confirm that the high-voltage system initiates cleanly on start-up without warning messages on the instrument cluster, that the transition between electric and petrol propulsion is imperceptible under gentle acceleration, and that the 12V auxiliary battery holds charge reliably, particularly if the vehicle has seen periods of short-trip-only use. Listen for any unusual whine from the transaxle or power inverter assembly under load, and verify the engine auto stop-start function engages promptly once the hybrid battery reaches operating temperature. On the road, check for any pulling under braking or vibration through the steering wheel that might indicate warped brake discs, as low-mileage vehicles are particularly susceptible to disc corrosion from infrequent heavy braking.