2009 Hyundai I30 1.4L Petrol · KR09 XNZ

The 2009 Hyundai i30 holds a valid MOT certificate following its most recent test on 20 September 2025 at 108,512 miles. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but shows a pattern of recurring minor defects rather than a clean bill of health. The tester flagged slight play in both front inner track rod end ball joints and a non-excessive oil leak at the last test. These are not dangerous in isolation, yet they point to a car that has not been kept in meticulous mechanical condition. The record shows a mix of advisories and minor failures rather than major structural collapse, suggesting the vehicle remains roadworthy but is entering a phase where age-related wear is becoming more frequent. The mileage progression is consistent with light-to-moderate use for a 17-year-old car. Between the failed test on 14 September 2024 at 102,200 miles and the pass on 20 September 2025 at 108,512 miles, the car covered 6,312 miles in just over a year. That sits close to the average of roughly 6,383 miles per year calculated across its lifetime. There are no alarming gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer record, and the annual test cycle has been maintained without significant lapses. The data is sparse in the sense that only five tests are recorded, but the pattern is coherent and does not suggest clocking or long-term neglect. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering components. The 2024 failure identified a damaged and seriously weakened offside front lower suspension arm, and the 2025 pass recorded slight play in both inner track rod end ball joints. These are not the same fault recurring, but they cluster around the same area of the car. The front suspension bushes, ball joints, and track rod ends should be inspected for wear, and any clunking or vagueness in the steering warrants further investigation. The oil leak noted in 2025 was deemed non-excessive, yet its source should be identified, whether from the camshaft cover gasket, oil filter housing, or a more costly seal. The rear sub-frame corrosion flagged in 2024 is worth examining closely. The initial failure described it as seriously weakened, yet the retest three days later downgraded the finding to corroded but not seriously weakened. That suggests either a repair was carried out or the second tester applied a different threshold. Either way, the rear sub-frame, rear exhaust mounting, and all load-bearing points underneath should be checked for structural integrity. Surface rust is common on cars of this age, but any perforation or softness in the sub-frame or suspension mounting points would be a serious concern. The rear exhaust mounting defect from 2023 also indicates the exhaust system and its hangers should be inspected for deterioration.