2010 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · YS10 ACJ

The Hyundai i20’s MOT history reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures without any recorded defects, culminating in the most recent test on 18 December 2023 —a full 2.5 years ago —where it failed at 108,277 miles . This is not an isolated incident but part of a consistent trend: the vehicle failed its MOT twice in 2022 (on 14 December and 1 December ) and twice in 2021 (on 29 November and 15 November ), each time with no defects logged. Such a history strongly suggests either systematic issues being overlooked or deliberate avoidance of necessary repairs. The absence of advisories or defects in the record is unusual; typically, even minor faults would be noted, leaving the buyer to question whether the vehicle was deliberately presented for test without addressing underlying problems. The mileage accumulation of 6,767 miles per year aligns with the vehicle’s age, indicating it has not been subjected to excessive use or abuse. However, the six-month gaps between tests —particularly the 19-day span between the two 2021 failures —are highly irregular. A vehicle of this age and mileage should ideally undergo testing annually, with repairs addressed promptly. The fact that it was retested so soon after a failure in 2021 (just 103 miles apart ) implies either repeated attempts to pass without rectifying faults or a tester error, though the latter is unlikely given the DVSA’s standardised process. The lack of mileage progression between failures also raises questions about whether the car was driven minimally between tests, further complicating any assessment of its true condition. Given the complete absence of recorded defects or advisories, a buyer should treat this history with extreme caution. The most critical areas to inspect in person are the brake system —particularly for binding calipers, uneven disc wear, or fluid leaks—and the suspension components , including coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings, which are common failure points in this model. Structural integrity must also be verified, as corrosion in wheel arches, sills, or subframes is often missed in basic MOT checks. The exhaust system should be examined for leaks or rust, and the emissions readings (if testable) should be scrutinised, as older i20s are prone to catalytic converter or sensor issues that can cause test failures. Finally, the electrical system —including lights, sensors, and warning indicators—should be thoroughly checked, as intermittent faults may not always trigger a fail but could signal deeper problems. Without a clear maintenance record or evidence of repairs, this vehicle presents a high-risk proposition.