2013 KIA Picanto 1.0L Petrol · CF13 FMD

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 26 August 2025 with no defects recorded, suggesting it is currently in a roadworthy condition. The overall maintenance trend appears generally stable, although the history reveals a concerning lapse in basic safety maintenance in March 2024, where the vehicle failed on dangerous tyre defects. While the subsequent clean tests indicate these immediate issues were rectified, the transition from a clean record to dangerous failures suggests a period of inconsistent upkeep that a buyer should consider when evaluating the vehicle's long-term care. With a recorded mileage of 127,789 miles over thirteen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 9,830 miles per year. This usage rate is considered typical for a city car of this age and suggests a consistent pattern of use rather than periods of prolonged standing or excessive commercial wear. At this mileage, however, the buyer should expect natural wear on primary drivetrain components and suspension consumables, as the vehicle has moved beyond its initial mid-life cycle and into a phase where major wear-and-tear items typically require replacement. Particular attention must be paid to the tyre wear and wheel alignment. The dangerous failures in 2024 specifically highlighted inner sidewall bulges and tread wear on the offside, which is a classic symptom of incorrect wheel tracking or worn suspension bushes. During a test drive, the buyer should listen for any unusual humming or vibration and physically inspect the inner edges of all four tyres for uneven wear. Additionally, the previous advisory regarding a binding nearside front brake suggests a potential issue with the caliper piston or slider pins. The buyer should check for excessive heat emanating from the wheel rims after a short drive or any tendency for the car to pull to one side under braking. Given the vehicle's age and the 2019 advisory regarding a slight oil leak and rusting rear discs, a thorough inspection of the underbody is essential. The buyer should examine the engine bay and sump area for signs of fresh oil seepage and check the condition of the rear brake discs for heavy pitting or corrosion. Furthermore, at this mileage and age, it is imperative to verify the service history for calendar-based fluid changes and the condition of the 12V battery. A physical check of the suspension coil springs for surface corrosion and the rubber boots for splitting is recommended to ensure the structural integrity of the chassis and suspension system remains sound.