2015 Hyundai I30 1.6L Diesel · NG03 WAL

The most recent MOT, dated 15 October 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the immediate safety‑critical items identified in the earlier failure on 10 October 2025 were remedied. However, the MOT record over the past five years shows a pattern of recurring issues – notably front suspension ball‑joint wear, front wheel bearing play, parking‑brake inefficiency and intermittent lighting faults – interspersed with isolated advisories. While the latest pass suggests recent corrective work, the history points to a maintenance trend that is not wholly stable and may require ongoing attention to wear‑prone components. At 91,952 miles for a 2015 model the vehicle averages roughly 8,300 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would suggest severe over‑use, nor are there long gaps that might indicate prolonged storage. The mileage therefore reflects moderate, regular use, meaning wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension is likely to be proportional to age rather than excessive mileage‑driven degradation. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the front suspension and steering assembly. The near‑side lower ball joint was recorded as excessively worn in 2022 and an off‑side front suspension arm pin or bush showed wear in 2021; both items can develop play that manifests as clunking or vague steering feel, especially over bumps or during hard cornering. A thorough visual inspection of the ball‑joint boots for cracks or leakage, and a hands‑on check for any movement in the lower arms, is essential. The front wheel bearing on the near‑side was flagged for excessive play in late 2025, so the wheel should be lifted and rocked to detect any roughness or grinding, and a test‑drive should include listening for humming or growling that varies with speed. The parking brake has failed twice, most recently in 2023, so verify that the hand‑brake holds the vehicle firmly on a slight incline and that the rear drum or disc shoes are not seized or overly worn. Finally, ensure all rear lighting functions – the stop lamp, registration plate lamp and any auxiliary rear lights – operate correctly, as these were the cause of a recent major failure. Given the car’s age, even with a clean recent MOT, time‑related deterioration must be addressed. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening; the off‑side rear tyre was previously noted as close to the legal limit, so all tyres should be measured for tread depth and assessed for uniform wear. Check for corrosion on the chassis, especially around wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and examine the battery terminals and electrolyte level, as a battery left idle for extended periods can lose capacity. Verify that the service book contains regular oil, filter and coolant changes, and consider a full fluid flush – brake, clutch, gearbox and coolant – if the last documented service exceeds 24 months, as fluids degrade with time irrespective of mileage. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection covering these points will give a clear picture of the vehicle’s current roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance requirements.