2012 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · NA62 XNH

The Hyundai i20’s most recent MOT test on 2025-10-24 confirms it remains roadworthy, though the immediate preceding test on 2024-10-16 resulted in a failure—despite the same mileage (58,146) being retested the following day and passing. This suggests either a minor administrative oversight or a single isolated issue corrected quickly. The pattern over the past three years shows no recurring defects, with all tests either passing or failing on identical mileages without mechanical trends emerging. However, the repeated failures at the same mileage in 2023 and 2024 warrant scrutiny of components prone to periodic inspection, such as brake systems or emissions-related items, which might have been borderline but passed on retest. The vehicle’s mileage progression of roughly 4,400 miles annually is unusually low for a 14-year-old car, indicating either light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity. Between 2023-10-16 and 2024-10-17, the mileage increased by just 3,150 miles—suggesting a standstill of nearly a year. This could imply deferred maintenance, as fluids, tyres, and suspension components may degrade even when unused. The gap between the 2025 and 2024 tests (1,702 miles in under a year) is more typical, but the earlier stagnation raises questions about whether critical items like brake pads or suspension bushes were serviced during this time. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the brake system, particularly rear calipers or binding points, as these were the likely cause of the 2024 failure. Corrosion in wheel arches or subframe areas should also be checked, given the car’s age and the potential for rust-related structural weakening. Tyre tread depth and uniformity are worth verifying, as failing twice on the same test date in 2023 suggests either a previous oversight or a gradual degradation that wasn’t addressed. Finally, the suspension’s bushings and coil springs—common wear items—should be examined for cracking or excessive play, especially if the car has spent extended periods stationary.