2004 Hyundai Santa FE 2.0L Diesel · GN54 BAV

This Hyundai Santa Fe’s most recent MOT, conducted just 13 months ago on 2022-07-23 at 138,416 miles, confirms it passed without defects—a clean result that aligns with the vehicle’s consistent history of passing tests. The only anomaly is the immediate retest on 2022-07-20, which failed without recorded defects, a rare but unexplained deviation. Beyond that, the record shows no recurring advisories or failures over five consecutive tests, suggesting the vehicle has been maintained at a basic level without major mechanical neglect. However, the lack of advisories in any test does not preclude hidden issues; the absence of warnings on suspension components, brake wear, or corrosion in prior years means those areas remain untested. The mileage progression reveals a steady, typical usage pattern for a vehicle of this age, averaging around 6,292 miles annually. There are no abrupt jumps or prolonged gaps that would indicate aggressive driving or prolonged neglect. The most notable interval is between the 2020 and 2021 tests, where mileage increased by 8,767 miles in a year—a slightly higher rate than the average, but still reasonable for a well-used SUV. The consistency of the mileage suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly without extended periods of inactivity, which could have exacerbated wear on fluids, seals, or suspension components. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, as these are common failure points in this model at this mileage. The brakes, though not flagged in tests, should be checked for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially if the vehicle has been driven through wet or heavy loads. Corrosion is another critical area—examine the wheel arches, sills, and subframe for rust penetration, as this model is prone to structural weakening over time. Finally, verify the condition of the exhaust system, as catalytic converter failures are not uncommon in this era of vehicles, and a failing converter would not have been detected in the MOT’s emissions test.