2012 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · RV12 HAA

The 2012 Hyundai i20 presents a mixed maintenance picture at its most recent MOT on 22 May 2026, recorded at 21,957 miles. The initial failure on that date flagged both rear tyres with structural tears caused by separation or partial failure of the carcass, a more serious condition than the perishing noted in previous years. The same test also recorded an insecure battery. A retest on the same day at 21,954 miles passed, indicating the tyres were replaced and the battery secured promptly. This suggests the owner addressed the failures quickly, but the escalation from slow perishing to sudden structural tears on both rear tyres at once raises questions about how long the degraded tyres were left in service before the 2026 test. The overall trend is not clearly improving; it shows a step-change in tyre condition that was corrected only after a failure. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 2012 vehicle. Between the May 2023 test at 19,534 miles and the May 2026 test at 21,957 miles, the car covered just 2,423 miles across three years, averaging roughly 800 miles per year in that window. Prior to that, the annual accumulation was closer to 400 miles per year between 2023 and 2024, and 1,600 miles per year between 2024 and 2025. This irregular pattern points to long periods of non-use punctuated by occasional short bursts of driving. Extended standing can cause tyre flat-spotting, perishing of rubber bushes and seals, brake disc surface corrosion, and battery discharge, all of which align with the recurring advisories and failures seen here. The recurring tyre faults across four consecutive years, from 2023 through 2026, indicate a persistent issue with rubber degradation rather than isolated wear. Both rear tyres failed structurally on the same day in May 2026, which is unusual and suggests either a batch defect or prolonged neglect of the rear axle rubber. A prospective buyer should inspect all four tyres carefully, checking the date codes to confirm they match the post-May 2026 replacement, and examine the sidewalls for any renewed cracking. The nearside rear brake should also be checked for binding or uneven wear, as rear tyre structural failure can mask underlying braking imbalance. Beyond the tyres, the insecure battery advisory appearing in both 2025 and 2026 points to a loose or degraded battery carrier or mounting bracket. This should be physically inspected for corrosion or cracking, particularly around the battery tray. Given the low mileage and long periods of inactivity, a thorough underbody inspection for structural corrosion, suspension bush perishing, and brake caliper seizure is advisable before purchase. The vehicle is not fundamentally unsound, but the record shows a pattern of slow deterioration rather than proactive upkeep.