2016 KIA Picanto 1.2L Petrol · WJ66 ABU

The vehicle shows an inconsistent maintenance trend that has transitioned from a period of clean passes to a significant spike in mechanical defects. While the most recent test on 8 August 2025 at 31,473 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged nearside front sidewall damage. This follows a heavy failure in August 2024, where multiple components across the braking, steering, and suspension systems required attention. The current status suggests the vehicle is roadworthy but has recently undergone a period of neglected upkeep. The mileage profile indicates very low usage for a 2016 model, averaging approximately 3,147 miles per year. The record shows a steady, low-mileage progression from 2,865 miles in 2019 to 31,473 miles in 2025. Such low annual mileage can often lead to secondary issues, such as the tyre perishing and cracking noted in the August 2024 test, as rubber components degrade from age and lack of movement rather than tread wear. The August 2024 failure at 24,200 miles highlights several areas of concern that a buyer must verify through a physical inspection. The tester identified play in the steering rack inner joints and the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Although these were passed in the subsequent 2025 test, the presence of steering and suspension play suggests the vehicle has experienced wear in its chassis components. A buyer should also check for any signs of the coolant leak reported in 2024 to ensure the cooling system is fully sealed and the coolant bottle is secure. Braking components also showed significant wear in the 2024 test, specifically regarding thin front inner brake pads and low rear brake pads. While the vehicle passed the 2025 test, the history of worn discs and thin pads warrants a check of the current pad thickness and disc surface condition. Finally, the sidewall damage noted in the August 2025 test requires close scrutiny to ensure no underlying structural compromise exists in the wheel or suspension mounting points.