2018 Hyundai I10 1.2L Petrol · MM18 VVC

With a current odometer reading of 40,059 miles and a 2018 registration, this Hyundai i10 presents a roadworthiness profile dominated by a notably absent defect history rather than a clear pattern of failure. The vehicle was recorded as a PASS on 2026-03-12, which followed two consecutive FAIL entries on the same date and 2026-02-25, though no specific defects were logged against any of these results. The 2024-12-10 and 2023-09-02 tests also returned clean PASS outcomes with no advisories. The sequence of two failures immediately preceding the pass in March 2026 warrants direct clarification with the seller or supplying garage, as the DVSA record does not capture the underlying reason for refusal, but the subsequent pass confirms the vehicle left the test station in a roadworthy condition. Mechanically, the overarching narrative is one of compliance, though the recent test history is not as straightforward as a single unblemished annual pass. The annual mileage accumulation of approximately 5,007 miles per year is substantially below the typical 7,000 to 10,000 miles expected of a privately owned urban runabout of this age, and there is a visible testing gap between September 2023 and February 2026. A reduced annual mileage figure and extended intervals between tests can often point to a vehicle that has either been used predominantly for short local journeys or has spent considerable time stationary between MOT cycles. From a mechanical perspective, low-mileage and short-trip usage tends to place greater demand on the 12V battery, brake discs and pads through lack of regular heat cycling to clear surface corrosion, and the lower engine and exhaust internals through infrequent operation, while higher wear items such as clutches, timing chains and suspension linkages may remain relatively preserved. Given the absence of any recorded advisories, there are no specific wear items flagged in the MOT history to target during inspection, but the low-mileage profile and recent failure sequence justify a focused pre-purchase evaluation. On a test drive, listen carefully for any suspension knocks or clonks over uneven road surfaces, particularly from the front MacPherson struts, top mounts and anti-roll bar drop links, as these components can deteriorate with age even on a low-mileage car. Check the brake pedal feel for any binding or judder under firm application, which may indicate corroded brake discs from infrequent use, and inspect the discs visually for a pronounced lip at the outer edge. Additionally, verify the age and condition of the 12V battery, as vehicles that have stood for extended periods are prone to reduced cranking performance, and confirm that the tyre sidewalls remain free from cracking or perishing given that rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth. The unexplained 2026 failures are the most important point to resolve before purchase, and you should request a copy of the failure documentation or speak with the testing garage to identify whether the issues were mechanical, structural or administrative. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified independent technician, including a road test, underbody examination for corrosion and a diagnostic scan of the engine management system, is strongly recommended given the test history. Provided the recent pass genuinely reflects a sound mechanical state and the vehicle has been regularly serviced despite its low annual mileage, this i10 should present as a reliable and economical small car, but the unanswered questions from the March 2026 test cycle must be addressed before committing to the purchase.