2008 Hyundai I10 1.1L Petrol · SE08 YAD

The 2008 Hyundai i10 presents a mixed maintenance picture, with the most recent MOT on 6 April 2023 at 66,410 miles resulting in a pass, but only after a failure the previous day. That 5 April 2023 failure flagged an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint and an SRS warning lamp, both rectified before the retest. The trend is broadly stable rather than worsening, though the recurrence of nearside rear brake wear and a worn, pitted nearside rear disc across both 2023 tests suggests a dragging or binding caliper that was never fully diagnosed. The 2021 failure at 51,061 miles was more concerning, recording corroded brake pipes, a worn nearside front ball joint, an exhaust leak, and active ABS and SRS faults, indicating a period of neglect that appears to have been partially addressed since. Mileage accumulation is unusually low. Between the 2021 failure at 51,061 miles and the 2022 test at 51,075 miles, the car covered just 14 miles in nearly a year, pointing to prolonged standing or very limited use. From April 2022 to April 2023, the odometer jumped from 51,075 to 66,410 miles, a gain of 15,335 miles in twelve months, which is a sharp reversal. That sudden increase after a period of dormancy raises questions about mechanical reliability under renewed regular use, particularly around components that seize or degrade when idle, such as brake calipers, suspension bushes, and flexible hoses. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and braking system. The repeated appearance of worn suspension arm ball joints on both sides, combined with the 2021 advisory on the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage bush, warrants a close check for play, knocking, and uneven tyre wear. The nearside rear brake disc was described as worn and pitted in 2023, a condition often caused by a sticking caliper or collapsed brake hose, so the rear braking assembly should be stripped and inspected for free movement. Given the 2021 failure for corroded brake lines, a thorough underside examination of all metal brake pipes and flexible hoses for corrosion, chafing, and moisture ingress is essential, particularly where lines run along the subframe or through the wheel arches. The active SRS and ABS warning lamps recorded in 2021 and 2023 suggest intermittent electrical or sensor faults that may have been cleared without permanent repair. A diagnostic scan for stored fault codes in both the airbag and ABS modules is advisable before purchase. The exhaust leak noted in 2021 should also be re-checked, as a minor gas leak can worsen over time and affect emissions compliance. Overall, the car appears to have received reactive rather than preventive maintenance, and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent garage is strongly recommended.