2009 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · GF59 DVM

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend in mechanical wear and deferred preventative care. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 187,603 miles resulted in a pass, the volume of advisories has increased compared to the clean record seen two years prior. The persistence of steering rack free play across multiple years, from 2023 through 2026, suggests a component that is reaching the end of its functional life rather than being repaired. At 187,603 miles over 17 years, the car has covered an average of approximately 11,000 miles per year, which is consistent with typical national averages. However, the mileage accumulation shows a significant jump between May 2025 and May 2026, where the vehicle covered 16,297 miles in just thirteen months. This high-intensity usage period likely accelerated the wear on the suspension and braking components, evidenced by the recurring reports of thin tyres and thinning brake pads in both the 2025 and 2026 tests. A buyer must personally inspect the steering and front suspension, as the tester has repeatedly flagged play in the steering rack and the anti-roll bar linkage. The 2023 report of a severely deteriorated suspension arm ball joint dust cover indicates that rubber components are failing under age, which can lead to premature joint failure. Furthermore, the 2025 mention of a corroded offside rear brake pipe requires a close visual check to ensure corrosion has not progressed beyond the surface level, as this represents a critical safety failure point. The recurring issues with windscreen damage and tyres worn to the legal limit across several years suggest an owner who only addresses faults when prompted by the MOT tester rather than performing proactive maintenance. The 2023 failure regarding the parking brake and SRS warning lamp indicates the vehicle has been prone to significant mechanical lapses. Any prospective buyer should verify that the parking brake remains fully effective and that the steering does not exhibit excessive knocking or play during a test drive.