2016 Hyundai Santa FE 2.2L Diesel · YA66 KUD

The most recent MOT, carried out on 6 August 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle was road‑worthy at the time of testing. This follows a series of earlier failures – notably major rear brake and suspension component faults in October 2025 and August 2025 – and a set of advisories in October 2024. The progression from major failures to a clean pass suggests that remedial work has been undertaken recently, so the short‑term trend is improving, although the recurring nature of rear‑brake and rear‑suspension items points to underlying wear that may re‑appear if not monitored. At ten years old the recorded mileage of 64 085 mi works out to just over 6 400 mi per annum, which is well below the UK average for a vehicle of this age. Such low annual usage often reflects periods of limited driving or extended storage, rather than high‑stress mileage. While the low mileage reduces cumulative wear on engine and transmission internals, it also means that many components have aged in situ, and fluids, seals and rubber parts may have deteriorated simply with time. The modest mileage therefore does not guarantee the absence of age‑related issues. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the rear braking system, which has been flagged twice for excessive binding and worn discs. On a test drive feel for any pulsation, uneven pedal travel or a soft, spongy feel at the rear brakes, and listen for clunking or squealing that may indicate a sticking caliper or warped disc. Inspect the rear brake discs for surface scoring and measure disc thickness against the manufacturer’s minimum specification; also verify that the brake pads have sufficient remaining material. The off‑side rear anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint, noted as excessively worn in 2025, should be examined for play or torn rubber boots, as failure can lead to compromised handling and noisy clunking over bumps. Front suspension arm ball‑joint play, flagged in 2024, should be checked for any looseness when the wheel is rocked, and the condition of the off‑side front wheel fixing that was previously missing must be confirmed as correctly re‑installed and securely torqued. Beyond the specific defects, age‑related checks are essential. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or age‑related tread loss, paying particular attention to the edge‑wear noted in 2024; the DOT code will reveal the tyre’s production date and whether replacement is prudent even if tread depth appears adequate. Verify the 12‑volt battery’s state of charge and cranking performance, as a ten‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Inspect coolant, brake and gearbox fluids for colour change or contamination and consider a complete fluid change if service records are missing, since fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. Finally, look for corrosion on the chassis, under‑body panels and exhaust, and ensure that the windscreen washer system now provides sufficient spray, as the previous poor wash performance could indicate clogged jets or a failing pump. A thorough visual and functional inspection, complemented by a competent test drive, will reveal whether the recent MOT pass reflects a genuinely sound vehicle or merely a temporary fix to recurring wear.