2021 Hyundai Kona Electricity · SL71 MVA

The Hyundai Kona’s most recent MOT test on 2025-12-12 confirms it remains roadworthy, though the record reveals a persistent pattern of neglect rather than genuine maintenance oversight. The December 2024 failure—just 10,000 miles before the current pass—highlighted severe tyre wear on both axles, alongside misaligned headlamps, indicating basic upkeep was either skipped or deferred. While the vehicle passed its latest inspection, the recurrence of tyre-related advisories suggests the previous owner prioritised cost over safety, a trend that could escalate into more critical failures if unaddressed. The absence of structural or drivetrain faults in recent tests is reassuring, but the headlamp issues imply either driver inattention or a lack of routine servicing. The recorded mileage of 61,808 miles over approximately five years equates to an unusually high annual average of 12,362 miles, far exceeding typical usage patterns for a vehicle of this age. This suggests either intensive daily operation or prolonged periods of inactivity followed by rapid accumulation, both of which accelerate wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension components. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests—exactly one year—offers no insight into intermediate maintenance, leaving open the possibility of unrecorded repairs or further deferred servicing. The lack of a pre-2024 MOT record prevents a fuller assessment of long-term care, but the recent history alone raises concerns about proactive maintenance. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the tyres, particularly focusing on the nearside front and offside rear positions, where the MOT record indicates excessive wear and edge damage. The repeated advisories suggest uneven loading or incorrect tyre pressures, which could compromise cornering stability and braking performance. Headlamp alignment, though not a safety hazard in itself, often correlates with broader neglect—verify the bulbs, aim, and condition of the entire lighting system, including fog and reversing lights. Given the high mileage, the suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers should be scrutinised for wear or corrosion, as these components degrade predictably over time. The absence of structural advisories in recent tests is a positive sign, but a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion—especially around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe—is essential, given the vehicle’s age and exposure history.