Ageing ix35s sell on price. Work in layers: legal checks → body → drivetrain → road test → shop scan.
- VIN ↔ title, key count, service history; note diesel DPF markets vs simple petrol.
- Facelift vs pre-facelift by lights and cabin.
- Lift: arches, sills, underbody, sump guard damage.
- AWD: leaks/noise at the coupling; FWD is simpler.
- Warm test: gearbox behaviour, smoke, coolant temperature, hub noise.
- Exercise climate, windows, and parking sensors — nickel-and-dime repairs erase a cheap ad.
Get a Hyundai/Kia-familiar shop to inspect before you buy.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) — ix35 facelift