2012 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · SW61 FMU

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 2026-03-09 at 57,170 miles, but the record shows a clear trend of worsening condition over the past two years, with recurring brake, suspension, and corrosion issues escalating in severity and frequency. While the March 2026 test did not result in a failure, it flagged multiple advisories—including binding rear brakes, severely corroded brake pipes, pitted brake discs, and heavily corroded shock absorber casings—that indicate significant deterioration in critical safety systems. The fact that the same front brake pipes corroded in both 2025 and 2026, and that rear brake binding appeared for the first time in 2026, suggests the vehicle’s braking system is degrading without corrective action. Mileage accumulation has been slow and irregular: from 49,686 miles in March 2023 to 50,152 in March 2024 (a 466-mile annual increase), then 51,441 in March 2025 (1,289 miles), and finally 57,170 in March 2026 (a jump of 5,729 miles). That final 5,729-mile increase over just one year—nearly 1.4 times the previous year’s total—breaks the otherwise low-mileage pattern and may coincide with increased usage or a period of inactivity followed by sudden driving. The gap between the failed test on 2025-03-19 and the passed test the following day on 2025-03-20 is unusual, suggesting either urgent, minimal repairs or a retest before full remediation. A buyer should pay close attention to the brake system: the persistent corrosion on front and rear brake pipes, combined with binding calipers, worn discs, and leaking hoses, points to likely internal hydraulic issues and potential failure risk if unaddressed. The front and rear suspension also warrants scrutiny—the repeated advisories on ball joint dust covers and now corroded shock absorber casings indicate advanced wear and loss of damping performance, especially in the rear. Given the repeated corrosion across multiple years and the front subframe being flagged in 2024, a full underbody inspection for structural rust is essential. Tyre condition remains a concern too, with chronic cracking and edge wear noted since 2023, suggesting possible alignment or suspension misalignment issues persisting over time.