2012 Hyundai I10 1.2L Petrol · LB61 AAF

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 August 2026 resulted in a PASS, although it was issued only six days after a prior FAIL on 21 August 2026 caused by an inoperative offside front windscreen washer. Both tests share an identical set of advisories covering tyre perishing on the offside front and rear, inner shoulder wear on both front tyres approaching the legal limit, and a cracked front registration plate. The fact that the washer defect was rectified promptly and the vehicle returned a clean pass with only advisory items is a positive indicator, and looking further back the history from 2023, 2025, and the early 2026 test shows no recorded defects, suggesting the underlying mechanical condition has remained broadly stable. The cluster of advisories now emerging on the most recent test, however, signals that age-related deterioration is beginning to surface and warrants close attention before purchase. With 33,135 miles recorded against a 14-year-old vehicle, this Hyundai i10 has covered only around 2,367 miles annually, which is well below average and indicative of either occasional light use or significant periods of standing. Low annual mileage of this nature tends to be kinder to wear items such as clutch, drivetrain, and internal engine components, but it can accelerate degradation of items that suffer from inactivity. Standing corrosion on brake discs, binding or seized brake calipers due to lack of regular actuation, and age-hardening of rubber components are all common consequences, and the time-based deterioration of brake fluid, coolant, and the 12V battery is also a concern irrespective of how few miles have been covered. Given the advisories recorded on both recent tests, the tyres must be treated as a priority inspection item. The cracking and perishing noted on the offside front and rear suggests the rubber compound is hardening with age, and on a test drive any steering vagueness or a tendency to tram-line on uneven surfaces could indicate that sidewall flexibility is compromised. Equally important are the inner-edge wear advisories on both front tyres; this pattern is frequently associated with worn suspension bushes, weakened coil springs, or tracking misalignment, so on the road listen for any knocking or clonking from the front end over bumps and observe whether the car pulls to one side under braking or acceleration. The washer system should be verified as fully operational before collection, and the cracked registration plate replaced to remain compliant. Beyond the documented advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out several age and standing-related checks. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall perishing even where no advisory was raised, as the recorded defects suggest the remaining tyres may not be far behind. With the vehicle being 14 years old, verify when the brake fluid and coolant were last renewed regardless of mileage, as both fluids degrade on a calendar basis and contamination can lead to corrosion within the braking and cooling systems. Check the 12V battery for date coding and load-test capability, since a battery of this age is likely nearing the end of its service life even if the car starts promptly on a warm day. Finally, on a test drive confirm there is no binding or dragging sensation from the brakes, listen for any suspension clonks over poor road surfaces, and ensure the engine bay is free from perished coolant hoses and oil leaks consistent with prolonged low-mileage storage.