2009 Hyundai I20 1.4L Petrol · GL09 AYH

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend of mechanical neglect and deferred repairs. While it passed its most recent April 2026 test at 76,366 miles, this followed a failure just three days prior that exposed multiple critical defects. The record shows a persistent failure to address issues with the braking, exhaust, and lighting over several years. The presence of a 39% axle brake imbalance and binding rear calipers indicates the braking system is reaching a state of functional instability that requires immediate attention. At 17 years old, the 76,366 recorded miles are exceptionally low, averaging fewer than 4,500 miles per year. This low usage profile suggests the car has sat for long periods, which explains the recurring issues with perished tyres and clouded headlight lenses. The gap between the October 2024 test at 69,672 miles and the April 2026 test shows only 6,700 miles driven over 18 months, confirming consistent low mileage that often masks age-related degradation of rubber components rather than wear from high mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear braking system, as the binding and imbalance issues have appeared since 2024 and persist in the latest record. The tester noted severely deteriorated ball joint dust covers on the offside front in 2026, which puts the suspension at risk of rapid failure from dirt ingress. Additionally, the recurring reports of cracking and perishing on the tyres across multiple years indicate that the rubber is dry-rotted and unsound due to age regardless of remaining tread depth. The exhaust system shows a documented minor leak at the rear silencer that has been flagged since at least 2024, suggesting a component that is not being replaced. The frequent failures related to light bulbs, discoloured indicators, and wiper blades point to a reactive approach to maintenance rather than proactive care. Any physical inspection should also verify the structural integrity of the chassis for corrosion, as low-mileage older vehicles often suffer from hidden rust if left stationary in damp environments.