2008 Hyundai Accent: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Hyundai Accent?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Hyundai Accent than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Braking performance2.4× usual
  Hyundai Accent

  15.7% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Brake lights2.1× usual
  Hyundai Accent

  11.4% All 2008 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.8%, against 4.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2008 Hyundai Accent MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Hyundai Accent MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  47% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  45% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Steering
  8% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Hyundai Accent

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Accent as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Accent as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?