2008 Hyundai Amica: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  17.8% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Exhaust system1.7× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  14.5% All 2008 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Wipers1.9× usual
  Hyundai Amica

  7.1% All 2008 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2008 Hyundai Amica MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  37% 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.

• Brakes
  33% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  28% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Hyundai Amica

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Amica as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Amica as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Amica as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?