2009 Hyundai I10 1.2L Petrol · SH59 GZU

The Hyundai i10 presents a clean MOT history in its most recent tests, with no defects recorded on either the March 2026 passes or fails at 100,890–100,891 miles. This consistency suggests the vehicle has been well maintained in the short term, though the repeated failures without faults—both in March 2025 (92,950–92,952 miles) and again this year—are unusual and warrant closer examination. The lack of advisories or defects across all four tests indicates no major mechanical or structural issues were identified by the tester, but the pattern of back-to-back passes and fails raises questions about whether the vehicle was deliberately retested after minor, unrecorded repairs. For a low-mileage example of its age, the absence of wear-related failures is positive, though the irregular testing cycle between December 2023 and March 2025—a gap of over 13 months—may imply the car was not driven regularly or was stored for extended periods. The mileage accumulation of roughly 5,935 miles per year is atypically low for a 17-year-old vehicle, suggesting either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The jump from 85,019 miles in December 2023 to 92,950 miles in March 2025 (7,931 miles in 15 months) indicates a brief phase of higher activity, but the subsequent slowdown to just 7,941 miles over the next 16 months (by March 2026) reinforces the pattern of light use. This irregularity could mean the car was kept in a garage or driven sparingly, potentially masking wear that might otherwise appear at higher mileages. The lack of recorded defects aligns with this low-activity profile, but it also means there’s limited recent data on how components like suspension bushes, brake pads, or tyre tread hold up under normal conditions. Given the sparse MOT record, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of components typically prone to neglect in low-mileage vehicles. Check the condition of suspension bushes, coil springs, and ball joints for dryness or cracking, as these can degrade even with minimal use due to environmental exposure. Inspect the brake system—particularly the rear calipers—for binding or corrosion, given the car’s age and the fact that brake issues often go unnoticed until they cause a fail. Tyre tread depth and condition should be verified, as the MOT history doesn’t reflect any recent checks, and uneven wear could indicate alignment or wheel balance problems. Finally, examine the underbody and wheel arches for structural corrosion, especially around the sills and rear trailing arms, as rust can develop insidiously in parked vehicles. The absence of recorded faults doesn’t guarantee these areas are sound, so a hands-on assessment is essential.