2009 Hyundai I10 1.2L Petrol · KX09 TLF

A pattern of clean MOT passes bookended by unexplained failures makes this Hyundai i10 a curious case rather than a straightforward buy. The vehicle passed its most recent test on 10 November 2025 with no defects recorded, and the prior pass on 20 November 2024 was similarly clean. However, both pass dates are immediately preceded by failures on 12 November 2024 and 13 November 2023 respectively, with no defect details logged in either case. This near-annual cycle of fail-then-pass suggests either a deliberate policy of addressing latent defects immediately before retesting, or items being rectified post-test that are serious enough to cause a refusal but minor enough to be repaired within days. The absence of advisory notes across the entire visible record is notable for a 17-year-old car and points to either consistently good mechanical condition or advisories being deliberately cleared before presentation. The recorded mileage of 61,182 miles against an annual average of around 3,599 confirms a low-use profile for this i10, well below the typical 6,000 to 8,000 miles per year expected of a city car of this vintage. There are no significant gaps in the testing history within the recorded window, with annual tests consistently appearing, which suggests the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for extended periods. This is mechanically reassuring, as long-standing vehicles often suffer from seized callipers, deteriorated rubber components, perished brake hoses, and stale fluids. The annual mileage itself implies a modest accumulation year on year, which keeps wear on major drivetrain and suspension components relatively gentle. For a prospective buyer, the lack of any advisory history means there are no specific flagged components to target a pre-purchase inspection around, which in itself is unusual for a car of this age where one would typically expect advisories for ageing tyres, corroded brake discs, minor exhaust issues, or worn suspension bushes. The repeated near-annual failure pattern warrants direct questioning of the seller, and ideally sight of the failure documentation, to confirm that no structural or safety-critical items were involved. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the braking system, as light use on a 17-year-old car frequently leads to corroded or pitted front brake discs and seized slider pins that may not surface in an MOT but would manifest as judder under braking or uneven pad wear. A thorough check underneath for surface rust on suspension arms, anti-roll bar links, and subframe mounting points is also advisable given the car's age and the damp UK climate, even though none has been recorded to date. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn wishbone bushes or drop links, and pay attention to any steering vagueness or pulling to one side under braking that could suggest corroded brake pipe work or sticking calipers. Given the low annual mileage, allow extra scrutiny to items that degrade with age rather than use, including the condition of all exterior and underbonnet rubber components, coolant hoses, drive belts, and the exhaust system for any signs of corrosion at the mounting brackets. Confirm the operation of all brake and clutch hydraulic functions, as old fluid in a low-mileage car can lead to a soft pedal feel, and verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle on an incline without excessive travel, since rear drum mechanisms left largely unused are prone to seizing. A compression test or basic engine health check would also be prudent given the long service life already accumulated.