2017 Hyundai Tucson 1.6L Petrol · RF66 VUD

Chronic uneven tyre wear and progressive brake component deterioration form the defining mechanical narrative of this nine-year-old Tucson. The most recent test on 17 March 2026 initially failed on an offside headlamp aim too high, a straightforward adjustment, before a same-day retest recorded a pass. That 2026 outcome followed an identical pattern from March 2025, when a dangerous tyre failure with exposed ply or cords on the offside front forced a fail, accompanied by advisories for both front tyres worn to the legal limit on the inner edges. Across the three recorded tests, the pattern is consistent and worsening: inner-edge front tyre wear appeared in 2024 and escalated to a dangerous failure in 2025; rear tyre perishing and cracking has appeared in every test from 2024 onwards, with the 2026 advisories explicitly noting ten-year-old rubber on both rear tyres; and brake pad wear advisories have progressed from a single front advisory in 2024 to advisories on both front and both rear pads in 2025 and 2026, with a front disc lip also flagged in 2025. The advisory density and the escalation from advisory to dangerous failure indicates a vehicle with components that have been left to reach critical condition rather than replaced proactively. At 33,114 miles over nine years, this Tucson has covered roughly 3,679 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and suggests the vehicle has either seen very limited regular use or has experienced extended periods of standing. Low annual mileage of this magnitude reduces wear on the drivetrain, clutch, and major engine components, but it does not prevent age-related deterioration of rubber, brake components, and brake fluid. The MOT history supports this, as the recorded defects are predominantly age and material degradation related rather than high-mileage wear items such as exhaust corrosion or suspension component failure. The mileage progression between tests is modest, with recorded figures increasing by only a few thousand miles year on year, consistent with light, intermittent use. There are no significant gaps in the testing record that would indicate the vehicle has been off the road for prolonged unmonitored periods. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection items should centre on the specific components that have been repeatedly flagged. The persistent inner-edge front tyre wear is a concern that warrants a physical check of the front suspension geometry, as it can indicate worn or perished front suspension bushes, top mounts, droplinks, or coil springs, all of which are age-related failure points on a Tucson of this vintage. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or wandering from the steering, particularly under sudden lane changes. The rear tyres showing cracking and perishing at ten years old require immediate replacement regardless of remaining tread, and a thorough inspection of the sidewalls should be carried out for any bulging or visible cord separation. The brake system requires close scrutiny given the progression of pad advisories across both axles. A physical check of pad material remaining on all four corners is essential, and the front discs should be measured for thickness and checked for the lip already noted in 2025, as well as any hot spots or scoring that could indicate brake caliper binding. On the road, test for any pulling to one side under firm braking, pedal judder, or a spongy pedal feel, the latter being particularly relevant given the vehicle's low usage and the likelihood of brake fluid that has not been regularly refreshed. The headlamp aim failure should be verified as a simple manual adjustment and not indicative of a damaged headlamp mounting or bracket. Finally, given the vehicle's low annual mileage, a thorough check of all fluid levels and the condition of ancillary drive components such as the auxiliary belt is advisable before purchase, as prolonged standing can accelerate the degradation of rubber components beyond what the MOT history alone reveals.