2005 Hyundai Trajet 2.0L Petrol · NJ55 HWD

The 2005 Hyundai Trajet passed its most recent MOT on 10 November 2022 at 96,862 miles, but that same day also produced a failed test revealing significant structural corrosion on both front seat belt anchorage sills alongside a non-functioning nearside headlamp main beam. This dual outcome on the same date indicates the vehicle was rectified and retested within hours, yet the presence of corroded prescribed area strength defects points to underlying structural integrity concerns rather than a simple one-off advisory. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but deteriorating, with the 2022 failure marking a notable decline from the clean passes recorded in 2019 and 2020 at 78,315 and 85,992 miles respectively. The mileage pattern tells a clear story of very light use. The vehicle accumulated just 5,651 miles between October 2020 and November 2022, and only 8,547 miles across the three years from November 2019 to November 2022. At roughly 4,612 miles per year over its 21-year life, this is well below typical annual usage. The recorded mileage has remained static at 96,862 since the November 2022 test, meaning the car has covered zero miles in over three and a half years as of today. Such prolonged standing raises its own mechanical risks, including deteriorated brake hoses, perished tyre sidewalls, and potential fuel system degradation. Buyers should prioritise a thorough underbody inspection focused on the front seat belt anchorage areas and both sills, where the tester identified significantly reduced strength and continuity due to corrosion. The 2022 advisory on the offside front seat belt anchorage being corroded but not yet excessive suggests this is a progressive issue that may have worsened during the vehicle's extended stationary period. Rear brake hoses were flagged as slightly deteriorated in 2022 and demand close examination given the car has not moved since. Tyre condition requires immediate attention. The offside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit in 2022, and with the vehicle standing motionless for over three years, all four tyres likely suffer from flat-spotting, sidewall cracking, and age-related perishing regardless of remaining tread depth. The nearside headlamp main beam failure from the 2022 test should be verified as fully operational, along with all other exterior lighting and the windscreen damage noted in 2021, which may have spread. A comprehensive inspection of suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake components is advisable given the age and the extended period of inactivity.