2013 Hyundai IX35 1.7L Diesel · RO13 XSH

A consistent pattern of electrical and brake-related advisories runs through the DVSA record of this 2013 Hyundai ix35, suggesting some chronic minor issues rather than any single catastrophic failure. Across the three recorded MOT events spanning 2021 to 2025, the rear fog lamp system has been flagged on three separate occasions, failing outright in both 2021 and 2023 before being replaced, while the windscreen washer system presented misaligned or insufficient fluid delivery in two consecutive tests. The most recent examination on 6 March 2025 returned a pass with advisories relating to front brake disc wear, sidewall perishing on the offside rear tyre, and nearside front tyre wear close to the legal limit on the edge. A more serious intervention was required in March 2024, when rear service brake fluctuation and a grabbing secondary parking brake resulted in a fail, alongside further minor electrical advisories. The overall record therefore suggests a vehicle that remains roadworthy but with documented weaknesses in rear braking performance, exterior lighting ancillary equipment, and tyre wear patterns. With 122,167 miles accumulated over approximately 13 years, the ix35 averages around 9,400 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a working family SUV of this age and aligns with its short three-year MOT testing cycle. No significant gaps in testing are evident, indicating continuous road use rather than extended periods off the road that could otherwise mask developing corrosion in structural seams or underbody components. The mileage progression between recorded tests appears consistent, suggesting no extended lay-up periods that would typically precipitate issues with seized calipers, deteriorated rubber boots, or brake disc surface corrosion beyond the normal pitting associated with frequent urban use. The cumulative mileage places this example in the higher-wear bracket for its generation, meaning consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension bushes are likely approaching or have already passed their second or third replacement cycle. A prospective buyer should focus the pre-purchase inspection on the components and systems repeatedly flagged in the MOT history. The rear braking system warrants particular attention: the 2024 failure for severe grabbing on the secondary parking brake and fluctuating rear service brake performance could indicate either a seized rear caliper, a contaminated or binding handbrake mechanism, or a hydraulic issue such as a sticky wheel cylinder. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or groaning from the rear corners when first applying the brakes from cold, and check whether the handbrake holds firmly on a steep incline without requiring excessive lever travel. The front discs were noted as worn at the most recent test, so the buyer should feel for vibration or pulsation through the brake pedal under firm stopping and inspect the discs visually for a defined outer lip and any scoring or rust pitting across the braking surface. Additionally, both track rod end dust covers were flagged as deteriorated in 2023, so a thorough check for any play or looseness in the front steering is advisable by turning the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and feeling for any knocking from the front end. Given the recurring tyre advisories across multiple tests, particularly concerning inner-edge wear on the nearside front and cracking on rear tyres, the suspension geometry should be examined for worn lower wishbone bushes, droop links, or anti-roll bar bushes that could be accelerating uneven tyre consumption. Jack the vehicle and physically check for play in the front suspension arms, paying particular attention to the rear trailing arm bushes which are known wear items on ix35s of this age and mileage. On the road, drive over a section of uneven surface at moderate speed to listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front or rear suspension, and note whether the steering pulls to either side under steady throttle or braking. Finally, verify that all rear fog lamp, washer system, and indicator functions are operating correctly, as the electrical advisories have been persistent; an inoperative rear fog switch in particular could suggest a deeper wiring or switchpack fault rather than a simple bulb issue, and any dashboard warning lights for the ABS or electronic stability control should be investigated with a diagnostic scan before purchase.