2014 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · VO14 LHX

The most recent DVSA examination on 10 March 2026 resulted in a fail on that date for a major defect concerning the offside front windscreen wiper, which was found to be split and not clearing the screen effectively; this is a direct visibility hazard and was the only reason the vehicle did not pass first time, as a subsequent pass was issued the same day once rectified, alongside advisories for a deteriorated rear registration plate and slight cracking or perishing of the offside rear tyre at 4mm tread. Looking at the broader trend across the recorded MOT history, the vehicle has consistently passed each year since 2020 with only minor advisories, though there is a slow accumulation of repeated windscreen chips and offside rear tyre perishing advisories that have now persisted across six consecutive tests, indicating progressive cosmetic and material degradation rather than any sudden mechanical deterioration. The single major failure for the wiper is isolated and suggests a one-off consumable issue rather than a systemic maintenance shortfall, so the overall trajectory remains stable with only age-related wear surfacing. With a recorded mileage of 37,173 miles over twelve years, this Hyundai i20 has averaged approximately 3,098 miles annually, which is substantially below the typical annual mileage for a vehicle of its age and class. Such low usage is mechanically a double-edged sword; while major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox will have experienced relatively little mechanical wear, prolonged periods of standing or short infrequent journeys can accelerate deterioration of items not related to mileage. Brake discs and calipers are particularly susceptible to corrosion and seizing when a car is left unused, and internal brake components can bind, while the 12V battery will have endured many shallow discharge cycles that shorten its service life. Coolant and brake fluid also degrade on a calendar basis regardless of use, and rubber components such as drive belts, hoses, suspension bushes, and the tyres themselves will have aged through time exposure rather than wear. Given the recurring advisories for offside rear tyre perishing, the buyer should pay particular attention to sidewall condition on all four tyres, as rubber deteriorates through oxidation even when tread depth remains legal, leading to cracking, brittleness, and an elevated risk of blowout under load. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate perished bushes, weakened coil springs, or worn shock absorbers resulting from age rather than mileage. Brake feel should be tested from cold, as a soft or spongy pedal may suggest moisture ingress into aged brake fluid, while any pulling to one side or juddering under braking could indicate a binding caliper or corroded disc, both common on low-mileage vehicles that have stood. Verify the condition and age of the 12V battery, ideally having it load-tested, as a twelve-year-old battery is well past its expected service life, and confirm the date stamps on any replacement brake fluid, coolant, and timing belt service in the documentation. Further inspection points should include a thorough check for fluid leaks beneath the engine bay and from the rear of the vehicle after standing, as seals and gaskets harden and weep with age regardless of mileage. Confirm that the recent wiper replacement was carried out to a satisfactory standard and that both front wiper blades operate correctly across the full swept area, as wiper linkage failure is also plausible on a car of this vintage. The replacement rear number plate should be checked for correct reflectivity and spacing, as the previous advisory suggests original plate deterioration. Finally, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion, particularly at mounting points and joints, and verify the integrity of the undertray and structural areas for any surface corrosion typical of a vehicle that may have spent extended periods parked in exposed locations.