2010 Hyundai IX35 1.6L Petrol · SL60 YZX

A recurring theme of tyre wear, brake‑system deficiencies and a persistent minor exhaust leak defines this 2010 Hyundai IX35’s MOT history; the most recent test on 31 October 2019 was passed but recorded four advisories – a near‑side rear child‑seat obscuring the adult belt, an engine cover and under‑tray fitted, a minor exhaust gas leak and a nail lodged in the off‑side front tyre. Earlier failures show a pattern of tyre tread approaching legal limits, a cut on the near‑side front tyre, insufficient brake‑lever reserve travel and parking‑brake inefficiency, indicating that wear and component fatigue have been recurring issues rather than isolated incidents. With 87 935 miles recorded over roughly sixteen years the vehicle averages about 5 500 miles per annum, well below the typical UK usage rate for a family SUV. The low annual mileage may suggest periods of limited use or storage, which can exacerbate rubber ageing and corrosion in hidden areas, but it also means that many wear items could be in better condition than mileage alone would imply. Notably, the MOT record shows a two‑year gap between the 2017 and 2018 tests and another gap after the 2019 test, leaving the condition of components such as the suspension bushes, drive‑shaft joints and under‑body corrosion unverified for the intervening period. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set a thorough visual and tactile inspection: confirm that the nail in the off‑side front tyre has been removed and the tyre repaired or replaced, verify that tread depth on all four tyres exceeds the legal minimum and look for sidewall cuts, bulges or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. The minor exhaust leak noted in 2019 should be re‑checked for any hissing sound, soot accumulation around the joint, or a faint smell of exhaust, as a leak can affect emissions compliance and may point to a deteriorating gasket or cracked pipe. The advisory about an oil leak, although classified as non‑excessive, warrants a close look for fresh oil stains beneath the engine bay and on the ground after the vehicle has been parked, as even a small leak can worsen and affect seals or the oil filter housing. Brake performance must be examined carefully: feel for a firm, progressive pedal without excessive travel, and test the parking brake to ensure it holds the vehicle securely on a slight incline. The 2016 failure for insufficient parking‑brake reserve travel and the 2018 failure for brake‑lever travel suggest that the hydraulic system or the hand‑brake mechanism may have been serviced or adjusted; any sponginess, pulsation or pulling to one side when braking could indicate worn discs, pitted pads or a failing caliper. Finally, verify that the engine cover and under‑tray are removed or opened to allow a full visual check of the engine bay, ensuring that no hidden corrosion or additional leaks are concealed by the fitted covers. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection covering these points will clarify whether the vehicle’s historic deficiencies have been remedied or will require further investment.