KIA PICANTO2005 · 1.1L PETROL

The 2005 Kia Picanto shows a history of inconsistent maintenance, particularly regarding its lighting system and structural components. In the most recent test in September 2025 at 108,838 miles, the vehicle passed with an advisory for a corroded rear coil spring. This represents a worsening trend from the 2024 test at 108,048 miles, where the car failed due to a corroded rear coil spring. The presence of corrosion on suspension components suggests the vehicle may be reaching the end of its service life for these metal parts, which is common for a vehicle of this age. At 108,838 miles over 21 years, the car has averaged approximately 5,183 miles per year. While this low mileage suggests light use, it often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components and seized braking parts due to inactivity. The record shows a failure in September 2023 at 107,205 miles, where the tester flagged for an inoperative registration plate lamp and tyre tread depth. The fact that the vehicle covered only 843 miles between the 2023 failure and the 2024 test indicates long periods of standing or very short local trips, which explains the recurring corrosion and electrical issues. The lighting system has been a recurring point of failure, with failures in 2023 and advisories or failures in subsequent years. While the 2025 test passed, the persistent mention of corrosion on the suspension across multiple years necessitates a thorough physical inspection of the chassis for mounting rust, as early-model Picantos are prone to significant structural decay. A buyer should verify the integrity of the rear sills and ensure the corroded spring has not progressed to a point of imminent failure.