2015 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · LJ13 ADE

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 November 2022 records a PASS with no advisories or defects noted, which is the baseline outcome any prospective buyer would want to see. The broader pattern across the four recorded tests is somewhat unusual in that it shows paired pass and fail entries on consecutive or near-consecutive dates in both 2021 and 2022. A fail immediately followed by a pass on the same date or within three days is almost invariably indicative of a minor, rectifiable item such as a blown bulb, a registration plate issue, an emission readiness flag, or an advisory category item being addressed, rather than a fundamental mechanical or structural concern. That said, with no defect details captured in the dataset provided, it would be prudent to obtain the full MOT certificates from the DVSA to confirm exactly what was failed on each occasion. Overall, the absence of any recorded advisories suggests a reasonably stable maintenance trend rather than a deteriorating one, though the limited test history covering only the last four to five years leaves a gap that should be addressed by checking the physical condition of the vehicle. With 86,249 miles recorded on an eleven-year-old Hyundai i20, the average annual mileage works out to approximately 7,841 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment, particularly if it has been used as a secondary or commuter car. This rate of accumulation is generally favourable from a wear perspective, as it implies that major drivetrain components such as the engine, manual or automatic transmission, clutch, and turbocharger (where fitted) have not been subjected to excessive high-mileage stress. However, the MOT record only spans from 2021 onwards, meaning there is no visibility of tests between 2015 and 2021, and you should verify whether the vehicle was perhaps registered late in 2015 or fell outside the first-MOT window. It is also worth confirming the service history stamps correspond with the recorded mileage to ensure the odometer reading is genuine and that routine servicing has been carried out at the correct intervals. Given the clean MOT record with no advisories, your attention should shift to age and calendar-related deterioration rather than specific flagged defects. Tyres are a primary concern: even if the tread depth remains above the legal 1.6 mm minimum, an eleven-year-old vehicle may still be running tyres that have suffered sidewall perishing or cracking from age, which can be just as disqualifying as insufficient tread. Inspect all four tyres carefully for crazing, bulges, or dry rot, and check the production date on the sidewall. The 12-volt battery is another likely candidate for replacement given the vehicle's age, so test it under load if possible and inspect the terminals for corrosion. Brake discs on a low-mileage, occasionally used vehicle are particularly susceptible to corrosion pitting and the formation of a lip on the outer circumference, especially at the rear where handbrake mechanisms can seize; listen for any grinding or shuddering under braking and confirm the handbrake holds firmly on an incline. Binding calipers from infrequent use can also cause the vehicle to pull to one side or generate excessive heat, so check for uneven tyre wear patterns which would indicate a sticking piston. Beyond the consumables already mentioned, several time-based service items warrant verification before purchase. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid (if applicable) all degrade with calendar age irrespective of mileage, and a Hyundai i20 of this vintage should have had its brake fluid replaced at least every two years and its coolant refreshed according to manufacturer schedule. Inspect the underside, engine bay, and around the radiator, power steering reservoir, and oil filter housing for any signs of fluid weeping or staining that might indicate seals beginning to harden and leak. The exhaust system, including the catalytic converter and rear silencer, should be checked for corrosion, particularly at mounting points and joints, as salt exposure over eleven winters takes a cumulative toll. Finally, verify the timing belt or chain replacement interval has been observed, confirm the cambelt has been changed at the recommended mileage threshold if fitted, and ensure the air conditioning system functions correctly, as prolonged disuse commonly leads to compressor seal failure and refrigerant loss in older vehicles.