2012 Hyundai I10 1.2L Petrol · LB61 PFA

The 2012 Hyundai I10 presents a persistent pattern of tyre damage and braking system deterioration across its MOT history, beginning with a failed test in February 2023 that identified a cut front tyre exceeding safety limits and a serious rear shock absorber fluid leak (5.3.2 (b)). This failure was followed by further tyre damage advisories in subsequent passes through 2025 and 2026, with the most recent 2026-01-06 test recording the same front tyre size disparity (N/S/F = 175/60R14 versus O/S/F = 175/70R14) alongside continued rear tyre cracking and minor brake disc wear. Despite passing the latest examination in January 2026, the recurring nature of these tyre and suspension issues indicates that the vehicle has not achieved a stable roadworthiness status and that underlying structural or alignment problems may persist. At 40,309 miles on a vehicle approximately fourteen years old, the average annual mileage of roughly 2,879 miles falls below typical usage expectations and aligns with a profile of infrequent driving or extended periods of storage rather than regular road use. The absence of MOT tests between the 2023-02-17 failure and the 2026-01-06 pass creates a significant testing gap that prevents a complete picture of the vehicle's operational history, yet the low mileage figure itself does not fully reconcile with the repeated tyre damage flags. Such a discrepancy warrants caution, as minimal mileage combined with persistent tyre damage could suggest either genuine underuse or that prior damage remains undetected due to limited exposure. The front tyre size mismatch represents a critical concern because the 175/60R14 and 175/70R14 configurations create uneven contact patches, leading to premature wear on the inner edges of both tyres and potential handling irregularities during cornering. On a test drive, the buyer should monitor for noticeable uneven tread wear development within the first few hundred kilometres and pay attention to any vibration or pulling sensations that could indicate misalignment exacerbated by the asymmetric tyres. Additionally, the rear tyres showing consistent cracking across multiple exams suggests possible subframe stress or impact damage that may manifest as a soft spot or audible creaking when traversing rough surfaces. The front brake disc wear noted in 2025 and the severe 2023-02-17 failure involving a cut front tyre underscore the importance of verifying brake system integrity before committing to purchase, as the rear shock absorber fluid leak in 2023-02-17 points to a potential leak point requiring repair. During a test drive, the buyer should apply steady braking to check for any pulsing or spongy pedal response indicative of air in the system or internal wear, and listen for grinding or rattling noises coming from the rear suspension area that would confirm the presence of the previously reported leak. Finally, the persistent front tyre discrepancies demand physical confirmation of identical tyre sizes on each axle, as any deviation continues to compromise safety and predictability on the road.