2015 Hyundai Santa FE 2.2L Diesel · RF15 ABZ

A clear and consistent theme across the recorded MOT history of this 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is premature and uneven rear tyre wear, with both the offside and nearside rear positions flagged across consecutive tests. The most recent examination on 1 December 2022 recorded a pass but issued an advisory for an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge, following an earlier test in March 2022 that noted damage and perishing to the nearside rear tyre as well as inner-edge wear on both rear tyres. The recurrence of inner-edge wear on the same axle across two consecutive tests is a mechanical indicator worth taking seriously, as symmetrical inner-edge consumption on a rear axle is frequently associated with geometry irregularities such as rear wheel alignment, camber issues, or worn suspension linkages rather than simple tyre ageing. With 47,552 miles recorded against an 11-year age, the vehicle has covered approximately 4,323 miles annually, which is low for its class and age. The recorded mileage history also shows a gap of roughly nine months between the two documented tests, which could simply reflect test scheduling rather than extended standing, but with such modest annual usage there is a reasonable chance the vehicle has experienced periods of inactivity. Lower-mileage Santa Fe vehicles of this generation should be approached with the understanding that long intervals between drives can accelerate certain age-related deterioration in rubber components, brake mechanisms, and underbody ancillaries, even though the MOT record itself contains no direct evidence of these failures at this stage. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection points are the rear suspension and wheel alignment. The repeated inner-edge wear pattern strongly suggests the need to check the rear suspension bushes, trailing arms, and any adjustable camber components for slop or deterioration. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps, and pay attention to any feeling of instability, tramlines, or a vague rear end on cornering, all of which would indicate worn or fatigued rear suspension bushes. A four-wheel alignment check is advisable to establish whether the wear pattern is being driven by geometry or by the tyres themselves, and any adjustment or component replacement should be factored into the purchase decision. The brake system should also be examined closely given the vehicle's age and the possibility of light or intermittent use. Binding brake calipers are a known issue on lightly used vehicles and can manifest as a pulling sensation under braking, uneven brake disc wear with visible lipping, or a handbrake that requires excessive travel. On the test drive, apply the brakes firmly from moderate speed and note any judder through the pedal, pulling to one side, or a grinding sensation, which would warrant further investigation. Finally, the recorded tyre damage and perishing advisory suggests the nearside rear tyre in particular should be inspected for sidewall cracking or bulging, and it would be prudent to budget for a full set of replacement tyres given the wear pattern documented across both available MOT records.