2014 Hyundai I10 1.2L Petrol · HJ63 AEB

The Hyundai i10 presents a clean MOT history in its most recent test, with the February 2026 inspection at 79,889 miles showing no defects—a positive indicator of stable roadworthiness. The absence of advisories or failures in the latest record suggests that whatever issues prompted the two consecutive retests in January 2024 and January 2025 have since been resolved or are no longer present. However, the repeated failures on the same test date each year (2024 and 2025) raise a red flag: the vehicle was clearly not roadworthy at those points, yet the same mileage figures (68,783 and 74,295 miles) imply the faults were not addressed between tests. This inconsistency could point to either delayed repairs or a tester error, though the latter is less likely given the identical mileage stamps. For now, the current MOT pass stands, but the pattern of retesting demands scrutiny of the underlying causes. The mileage accumulation aligns closely with the vehicle’s age, averaging around 6,657 miles per year—a typical figure for a 12-year-old car of this size. There are no sudden spikes or prolonged gaps in the record, which suggests consistent, if not particularly heavy, usage. The January 2024 and 2025 tests both show mileage increments of roughly 5,500 miles in a year, reinforcing the idea of steady but not excessive driving. Without additional service records, it’s impossible to confirm whether the car has been maintained rigorously, but the lack of defects in the most recent MOT implies that any prior issues have been corrected—or at least brought into compliance for the test. The absence of advisories in the latest history also reduces concerns about deferred maintenance, though this could mask problems that only surface under load or over time. Given the history of retests, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, as binding or seized components were the most likely cause of the failures. The January 2024 and 2025 retests strongly suggest brake-related issues, possibly binding calipers, corroded discs, or worn pads that weren’t fully replaced. Suspension components—such as coil springs, bushes, or ball joints—should also be checked for wear, as these are common failure points in this model and can lead to handling or alignment issues. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, sills, or the underbody, is another critical area; while not flagged in the MOT, rust can compromise safety long before it’s visibly severe. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions should be verified, as older i10s have had issues with catalytic converter efficiency or leaks that could affect test outcomes. The vehicle’s clean recent MOT is encouraging, but the retest history demands caution. A buyer should treat the absence of current defects as a starting point rather than a guarantee, especially given the unresolved nature of the earlier failures. Pre-purchase, a full brake overhaul and suspension check—preferably by a Hyundai specialist—would be prudent to confirm the car’s true condition. The lack of mileage extremes or defect trends in the latest records is positive, but the past failures underscore the need for due diligence before committing to a purchase.