2009 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · WR59 ENC

The Hyundai i20 presents a mixed mechanical picture. The most recent test on 1 August 2025 at 149,614 miles resulted in a pass, but the record reveals a pattern of recurring defects that suggests reactive rather than preventative maintenance. The maintenance trend is best described as stable but concerning, with multiple advisories and failures persisting across consecutive tests rather than being permanently resolved. The vehicle passed its latest MOT, yet several items flagged in July 2025 remain unaddressed or were only partially corrected. The mileage accumulation of roughly 8,801 miles per year over 17 years is entirely typical for a supermini of this age and does not raise any red flags regarding usage intensity. A notable gap exists between the August 2024 test at 139,403 miles and the July 2025 test at 149,429 miles, representing approximately 10,026 miles covered in under 11 months. This suggests a period of heavier use following what appears to have been lighter or less frequent driving in prior years. The recorded mileage has remained static at 149,614 miles between the July 2025 failure and the August 2025 pass, indicating the vehicle was retested promptly without significant additional use. A buyer inspecting this i20 in person should pay close attention to the front suspension, which has been a persistent source of advisories. Both front shock absorbers showed external casing damage and corrosion in both July and August 2025, and the upper Macpherson strut top mount bushes were flagged as excessively worn in the failed test. Front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers were noted as severely deteriorated in 2023 and 2024, raising questions about whether these components have been replaced or simply left to degrade. The braking system also warrants thorough inspection. The nearside rear brake pipe was flagged as corroded and covered in grease or other material in both 2025 tests, and the offside rear service brake was grabbing slightly. The July 2025 failure also identified inadequate parking brake efficiency and insufficient reserve travel at the central brake lever, suggesting the entire braking system needs careful assessment for corrosion, wear, and proper adjustment. Tyre condition has been flagged repeatedly, with the offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit in 2024, indicating uneven wear patterns that may point to alignment or suspension geometry issues.