2021 Hyundai Tucson SE Connect T-GDI 1.6L Petrol · SD71 KZT

The Hyundai Tucson in question presents a mixed but ultimately stable roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT history showing only minor, easily rectifiable issues. The December 2025 test at 82,770 miles passed without defects, though it was immediately followed by a failure on the same date due solely to the nearside rear tyre falling below the 1.6mm tread limit—a straightforward consumable issue. The January 2025 test at 71,954 miles also passed but highlighted two front tyres worn close to the legal limit and exhibiting edge wear, suggesting uneven loading or alignment concerns. No structural, suspension, or brake system failures appear in the record, and the absence of advisories for corrosion, binding calipers, or worn coil springs indicates no serious underlying mechanical trends. The pattern here is one of minor, tyre-related neglect rather than systemic problems, though the rapid accumulation of mileage between tests may have masked deeper wear. The vehicle’s mileage—82,770 over five years—is unusually high for its age, averaging around 16,554 miles annually, which accelerates wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension components. The gap between the January 2025 test (71,954 miles) and the December 2025 retest (82,770 miles) spans just over 11 months, during which over 10,800 miles were covered—a sharp increase that could imply heavy use or a period of inactivity followed by sudden activity. The fact that the only failures relate to tyres, rather than brakes or suspension, suggests the previous owner prioritised basic mobility over preventative maintenance, particularly in the latter stages of ownership. This mileage pattern raises the likelihood of other high-wear items—such as brake pads, disc condition, and suspension bushes—requiring imminent attention, even if not yet flagged by the MOT. For a buyer, the primary focus should be on the tyre condition and rotation history, given the repeated front and rear tread issues. Inspect all four tyres for even wear, checking for cupping or uneven patterns that could indicate alignment or wheel balance problems. The front tyres’ edge wear in January 2025 suggests potential tracking or camber issues, so a wheel alignment check is advisable. Beyond tyres, the brakes should be scrutinised closely: while no binding or excessive wear was recorded, the high mileage since the last test increases the risk of glazed discs or thinning pads. Suspension components—particularly the rear coil springs and bushes—should be checked for signs of fatigue, as the rapid mileage accumulation may have accelerated their degradation. Finally, given the vehicle’s age and usage, a thorough inspection of the underbody for corrosion, especially around wheel arches and exhaust mounts, is prudent, even if no advisories were issued in the MOT history.