2012 Hyundai I10 1.2L Petrol · LB61 LLZ

A pattern of front-end wear dominates the mechanical picture of this 2012 Hyundai i10. The most recent test on 22 April 2026 initially failed on a major defect concerning excessive wear in the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint, accompanied by a prohibited headlamp aim issue on the same side, before passing on the same day once those items were addressed. Underlying that failure is a cluster of advisories that have been steadily building across the last three tests: front brake discs pitted or scored, front brake pads thinning, and cracking or perishing affecting all four tyres. The 2025 test added a binding offside front service brake and an inoperative offside registration plate lamp, while 2024 noted near-limit rear tyres and perishing fronts. Although only one outright failure is recorded, the density of advisories concentrated on the front axle points to suspension and braking consumables reaching a stage where refurbishment is now overdue. Recorded mileage of 38,302 miles across fourteen years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 2,736 miles, which is notably low for a city car of this vintage. A gap between the 2023 pass and the 2024 test is consistent with the vehicle being lightly used in earlier years, and the absence of any recorded tests between 2023 and 2024 leaves a period unverified by DVSA inspection. Mechanically, low annual mileage reduces wear on the engine, clutch, and drivetrain internals, but it often accelerates deterioration of rubber components, brake surface corrosion, and underbody oxidation through infrequent operation. The recurring advisories on tyre perishing and pitted front discs align with this pattern, as both are typical consequences of standing rather than continuous road use. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for close inspection are the front suspension geometry and braking system, given the recorded anti-roll bar ball joint failure and the progressive brake warnings. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly from the offside front corner, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel during direction changes. With brake discs already noted as pitted and scored, check for brake judder under firm pedal application and inspect the offside front caliper for any residual binding, as the 2025 advisory on this area suggests the slider mechanism may be sticking. A visual check of the brake pad material through the wheel spokes will confirm whether the thinning reported in 2026 has progressed to a level requiring immediate replacement. Tyre condition warrants particular attention because all four tyres were flagged for cracking or perishing at the most recent test, and nearside rear tyres were worn to near-legal limits in both 2024 and 2025. Examine the sidewalls carefully for visible age cracking, particularly on the inner shoulders, and confirm the fitted tyres have at least 3mm of tread across the full width. The headlamp aim defect recorded at the 2026 failure should also be verified by checking both beams against a flat wall in dark conditions to ensure correct projection pattern, as misalignment can recur if the mounting brackets or adjustment mechanism have worn. Finally, lift the bonnet and inspect the offside front suspension turret and subframe mounting points for corrosion, as fourteen years of UK weather combined with the recent suspension joint failure could indicate broader front subframe deterioration worth professional assessment on a ramp before purchase.