2021 Hyundai I20 Element T-GDI 1.0L Petrol · YR71 VSP

A pattern of repeated front brake advisories is the defining mechanical feature of this i20's MOT history, with both pads and both discs flagged across the two recorded tests. The October 2024 test noted nearside and offside front brake pads wearing thin at 3 mm, and the most recent March 2026 test picked up wear, pitting, or scoring on both front brake discs. While these were advisory items at the time of test rather than failures, the recurrence across both ends of the front axle and on two separate components suggests the front braking system is approaching the point at which pad replacement and likely disc refurbishment or replacement will be due. A prospective buyer should treat the front brakes as an immediate near-term cost on top of the purchase price. Recorded mileage of 74,646 miles over five years equates to roughly 14,900 miles per year, which is notably high for a car of this age and segment. Annual accumulation at that rate places sustained mechanical demand on the clutch, turbocharger, cooling system, suspension bushes, wheel bearings, and the brake components already showing wear in the MOT record. There is a gap of around seventeen months between the 2024 and 2026 tests, which is consistent with a vehicle that has been kept on the road and in regular use rather than laid up, so corrosion-related advisories might be expected if present, though none have been recorded to date. The combination of high mileage and only two recorded tests means much of the wear progression between data points is not documented, and unseen components such as rear brake pads and discs, exhaust mounting, and engine ancillary drive items will need physical verification. On a physical inspection and test drive, particular attention should be directed at the front braking system given its MOT history. Lift the car or look through the wheels to measure remaining front pad thickness and check the visible edge of both front discs for the lip and surface corrosion consistent with the 2026 advisory; a heavy lip or visible ridging indicates the discs are at or near the discard thickness. On the road, listen for any brake squeal or grinding from the front wheels, particularly at low speed, and check for judder through the pedal or steering wheel under firm braking, which would suggest disc runout or uneven wear. Also feel for the car pulling to one side under braking, as a binding or partially seized caliper would compound uneven pad and disc wear. Beyond the brakes, the high annual mileage and turbocharged T-GDi powertrain warrant a structured mechanical inspection. On the test drive, listen for any whistling or hesitation from the turbo under boost, check for blue or excessive grey smoke from the exhaust on start-up and during overrun, and ensure the engine pulls cleanly through the gears without misfire or flat spots, as the 1.0-litre turbo in this generation is known for occasional coolant and turbo oil feed issues at higher mileages. Feel for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, or strut top mounts, and check the steering for vagueness or a knocking sensation through tight lock, both of which are common wear items on a high-mileage i20. Finally, inspect the underbody and around the rear axle for any surface corrosion, examine the coolant and oil for proper level and condition, and confirm the timing chain or belt service interval has been observed, as these items are not captured in MOT data but are critical at this mileage.