2016 Hyundai Tucson 1.7L Diesel · SC65 EUZ

The most recent MOT inspection on 5 February 2026 resulted in a pass, though it carries an advisory for an oil leak that is not yet considered excessive. When reviewing the broader maintenance trajectory, the vehicle shows a pattern of reactive rather than preventative maintenance. The history is punctuated by significant failures, most notably a dangerous failure in February 2025 regarding a detached trailing arm bush on the nearside rear suspension. While the vehicle has passed subsequent tests, the presence of recurring advisories concerning tyres, brakes, and suspension components suggests that maintenance tends to occur only when defects reach a critical threshold. The recent oil leak advisory indicates a potential shift toward engine or seal-related issues that requires close monitoring to ensure it does not escalate into a more costly mechanical failure. With a recorded mileage of 78,398 over approximately ten years, this Hyundai Tucson has averaged roughly 7,840 miles per year. This represents relatively low-to-moderate annual usage, which is consistent with a vehicle used primarily for local or occasional commuting rather than heavy long-distance motorway driving. From a mechanical standpoint, this level of usage is generally favourable as it suggests less cumulative wear on the drivetrain and engine components. However, lower annual mileage can sometimes lead to other issues, such as increased moisture accumulation in the engine oil or exhaust system, and the potential for components like brake calipers to seize or discs to corrode due to infrequent high-speed friction. During your test drive, you must pay close attention to the rear suspension and the reported oil leak. Given the previous dangerous failure of the nearside rear trailing arm bush and the advisory for a splitting bush on the offside, listen for any dull thuds, clunks, or knocks when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as these are classic symptoms of degraded suspension bushings. Regarding the oil leak, check the engine bay and the ground beneath the vehicle for fresh fluid spots. You should also inspect the underside of the engine for wetness or heavy sludge buildup, which could indicate a leaking gasket or oil filter housing. If the leak is near the exhaust, it may cause a burning smell as the oil hits hot components. Finally, scrutinise the condition of the consumables, particularly the tyres and brakes. The MOT history shows a frequent trend of tyres being worn to the legal limit or showing signs of perishing. Check the sidewalls for any cracking or bulging, which indicates age-related rubber degradation regardless of tread depth. Since there have been multiple advisories regarding thin brake pads and pitted discs, perform a thorough brake test. Listen for any squealing or grinding noises and feel for any pulsation or shudder through the brake pedal, which could indicate warped discs or sticking calipers. Ensure the service history supports regular fluid changes, as the relatively low mileage means that calendar-based degradation of brake fluid and coolant is just as important as mileage-based intervals.