2019 KIA Picanto 1.2L Petrol · CU69 PTO

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 December 2025 records a PASS with no advisories, which on the surface suggests a sound roadworthy condition. However, the broader trend requires careful interpretation. The vehicle was presented for test just two days earlier, on 3 December 2025, and failed on two major defects relating to nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes being excessively worn. Both lower arm rear bushes were first flagged as starting to separate in March 2025, progressed to an advisory level where excessive movement was not yet present, and then deteriorated rapidly to a fail condition within the same calendar year. This pattern indicates an actively worsening front suspension issue rather than a stable or improving maintenance profile, and the work required to remedy the failure should be verified as having been completed to a satisfactory standard. With 34,088 miles recorded against a 2019 registration, the car has covered approximately 4,870 miles annually, which is substantially below the national average and consistent with low usage or extended periods of standing. Low annual mileage of this nature typically results in reduced wear to high-mileage components such as the clutch, brake friction material and engine internals, but it introduces its own set of age-related concerns. Extended standing periods can lead to brake disc corrosion, binding or seized calipers, deterioration of rubber components, and degradation of lubricants and coolants simply through calendar ageing rather than mechanical wear, so the inspection focus should shift accordingly. Given the confirmed failure and advisory history relating to the front suspension, a prospective buyer should physically inspect both lower rear bushes and the front arm pins for cracking, splitting, or any visible daylight separation between the bush and its housing, and should listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension when driving over speed bumps, rough surfaces, or during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres. Uneven inner-edge tyre wear, vague steering, or a wandering front end would also be consistent with worn suspension linkages. The oil leak noted at the front of the engine in March 2025 should be re-examined for fresh residue on the sump, oil filter housing, or ancillary components, and the fluid level verified, as any progression could lead to either an MOT failure under leakage or to premature engine wear if neglected. Beyond the recorded defects, attention should be directed towards age-sensitive items that an MOT does not fully cover. The tyres should be checked closely for sidewall cracking or perishing typical of a seven-year-old vehicle, even if the tread depth remains legal, and the 12V battery should be load-tested, as low-mileage cars with frequent short trips or extended standing are prone to premature battery failure. Brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion and the calipers for seizing, particularly after the car has stood, and all fluid services should be confirmed by service history, since brake fluid, coolant and engine oil all degrade over time regardless of mileage. Verify that the lower arm bushes replaced at the recent failure have been fitted with quality components, and obtain documentation or invoices for the rectification work to confirm the vehicle is now mechanically sound.