2016 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · PL16 DXB

A notable brake system intervention sits at the heart of this Hyundai i20's recent MOT history, with a Dangerous defect recorded on the 11 January 2025 test for a damaged nearside rear hydraulic brake cylinder, accompanied by a Major fail for insufficient parking brake performance. Such a finding indicates the cylinder was allowing fluid leakage or was seized, directly compromising braking force at that corner, and the parking brake shortfall suggests either rear caliper, cable, or adjuster issues that were likely addressed before the subsequent test. The clean PASS on 20 January 2025, just nine days later, confirms remedial work was carried out, and the car has since maintained an unblemished record through the most recent test on 3 March 2026. This pattern is more reassuring than a failure that lingers unresolved, but it does mean the braking system at the rear axle has had a significant component replacement or overhaul within the last eighteen months, which warrants particular attention during a test drive and physical inspection. Against a ten-year working life, 111,809 miles equates to an average accumulation of roughly 11,180 miles annually, which is broadly typical of a car used for regular commuting or mixed daily duties rather than long-term storage or excessive motorway mileage. The MOT record is complete on a yearly basis from 2023 onwards with no significant gaps in testing, suggesting continuous road use without extended periods off the road. Mileage progression between tests appears steady, and there are no indicators of an odometer anomaly or sudden spike in usage. Mechanically, this level of annual mileage over a decade places the i20 into a bracket where consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components will have been replaced multiple times, and where wear items like exhaust mounts, engine mounts, and ancillary drive components are likely approaching the end of their natural service life. On a test drive, focus attention on the rear braking system given the recent cylinder replacement. Listen for any squealing, grinding, or scraping from the rear wheels when the brakes are applied lightly and firmly, and check for pulling to one side under braking, which could indicate a sticking or binding rear caliper following the cylinder work. Confirm the handbrake holds firmly on an incline without needing excessive travel, as the parking brake efficiency was previously flagged below requirements. Inspect the rear brake flexi hoses and the area around the wheel cylinder for any signs of fresh fluid seepage or corrosion, and verify the rear caliper slides move freely without binding. The advisory items from the January 2024 test relating to nearside front, offside front, and offside rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and on edge suggest a possible tracking or alignment issue at that time, or simply tyres reaching the end of their life. On inspection, examine current tyre wear patterns across both axles; uneven inner or outer shoulder wear on the fronts could point to worn suspension bushes, top mounts, or wishbone links, all of which are common wear points on a i20 reaching this mileage. Check for knocking or clonking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, excessive play in the front hubs when rocked with the wheel lifted, and any roughness through the steering wheel that could suggest worn drop links or track rod ends. Finally, given the vehicle's age and mileage, inspect the underside for any surface corrosion to subframe, brake lines, and fuel lines, and verify there are no visible oil leaks from the engine or gearbox that would indicate ageing seals.