2022 Hyundai I10 Premium MPI 1.2L Petrol · SL22 CYY

A light but consistent mechanical story emerges from the MOT record of this 2022 Hyundai i10 Premium MPI, most recently passing its test on 19 March 2026 with no failures but a uniform set of advisories across all four tyres. Each corner was flagged for slight perishing or cracking on the outer sidewall, which is unusual to see simultaneously and suggests an environmental or storage factor rather than uneven mechanical wear. The 2025 test recorded a clean pass with no advisories at all, so the tyre condition has effectively emerged over the twelve months between examinations. With the vehicle now four years old and still on its original rubber, the sidewalls have likely hardened from age rather than wear, which on a low-mileage car is often more of a concern than tread depth. The trend overall is one of stable roadworthiness with a single, isolated cluster of advisories rather than any pattern of escalating defects. The recorded mileage of 12,489 miles over four years equates to roughly 3,100 miles annually, which is well below the average for a city car of this age. Such low accumulation typically indicates a second household vehicle, short urban errands, or extended periods of standing between uses, and the MOT history corroborates this with tests conducted at the anniversary mark and consistent mileage progression between them. Mechanically, low annual mileage tends to preserve brake discs, callipers, and clutch friction material but introduces its own set of considerations: rubber components age faster when left static, 12V batteries can lose capacity through extended standing, and oil can lose its protective additive load if service intervals are stretched. For this i10 specifically, the fact that the 2025 test recorded zero advisories before the tyre cracking appeared in 2026 strongly suggests the car was driven and stored normally, but the rubber degradation between tests indicates the vehicle has now reached the age where time, not mileage, is the dominant wear factor. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a thorough tyre inspection, paying particular attention to the sidewalls for any crazing, cracking, or brittleness that extends beyond the cosmetic surface level. All four tyres will almost certainly need replacement regardless of remaining tread, and budgeting for a matched set of new rubber should be factored into any purchase decision. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the suspension over speed bumps or rough surfaces, as low-mileage cars can suffer from seized damper mounts, perished bushes, or dry ball joints that have not been exercised regularly enough. The brakes should also be checked carefully; binding callipers are common on lightly used vehicles, so verify that the car rolls freely when handbrake is released and that braking is even and progressive without any pulling to one side under firm pedal application. Given the dual-sided nature of low-mileage ownership, a buyer should also confirm that the cambelt or timing chain service schedule has been adhered to in line with time rather than mileage, as many manufacturers specify replacement intervals in years irrespective of distance covered. Inspect the engine bay for any signs of perished hoses, dried seals, or staining around the oil filler cap that would indicate infrequent use leading to seal hardening. Underneath the car, look for any surface corrosion on suspension arms, exhaust hangers, or brake pipe clips, as four-year-old urban cars can still develop early oxidisation in areas exposed to winter road salt. Finally, verify that the 12V battery is holding charge properly by checking that the car starts promptly on a cold morning and that no dashboard warning lights remain illuminated after initial ignition, as batteries on infrequently driven cars often present the first real cost after purchase.