2014 Hyundai IX35 1.6L Petrol · ST14 PFX

The most recent MOT inspection on 22 October 2025 resulted in a pass, though it included an advisory regarding damage, cracking, or perishing on both rear tyres. Looking at the broader maintenance trend, the vehicle shows a history of intermittent advisories related to braking components and tyre condition, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. While the 2024 test was clean, the recurrence of tyre-related advisories suggests that while the vehicle is being maintained sufficiently to pass inspections, there is a pattern of wear that requires proactive attention rather than reactive repairs. The overall maintenance profile appears stable but indicates that consumables are reaching the end of their serviceable life. With a recorded mileage of 66,527 miles over approximately twelve years, this Hyundai IX35 has covered an average of roughly 5,544 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average, suggesting the vehicle has been used for light commuting or perhaps spent extended periods stationary. While low mileage generally implies less mechanical wear on the engine and drivetrain, it can present specific risks associated with infrequent use. Low-use vehicles are more prone to component degradation that is time-dependent rather than distance-dependent, such as the perishing of rubber seals, suspension bushes, and tyre sidewalls, as well as the potential for brake calipers to seize or discs to develop heavy surface corrosion from lack of regular friction. The advisory from the 2025 test regarding cracking or perishing rear tyres is a critical point for your inspection. This type of degradation is common in low-mileage vehicles where the rubber loses its elasticity due to age rather than tread wear. During your test drive, you should check for any subtle vibrations or irregular handling, but more importantly, perform a close visual inspection of the tyre sidewalls for fine cracks or "weather checking." If the tyres are several years old, they may need immediate replacement regardless of remaining tread depth to ensure structural integrity and grip. Furthermore, the history of brake disc and pad advisories between 2019 and 2023 suggests that while the braking system is currently passing, you should listen for any grinding noises or feel for any pedal pulsation or steering wheel shudder, which could indicate that the front discs are once again becoming pitted or scored. Given the low annual mileage, you must also verify the vehicle's service history to ensure that fluids and rubber components have been changed based on time intervals rather than just mileage. I recommend checking the age of the 12V battery, as low-use vehicles often suffer from slow discharge cycles that can lead to premature failure. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for signs of corrosion or fluid leaks that may have developed while the car was standing. Check the condition of the suspension bushes and coil springs for any signs of perished rubber or sagging, as these components can degrade through age even without heavy road use. Finally, ensure the service book contains stamps for oil and coolant changes at least every two years to mitigate the risks associated with calendar-based fluid degradation.