2012 KIA Picanto 1.2L Petrol · CV62 GFE

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. While it passed its latest test in August 2025 at 78,318 miles, this followed a failure just six days prior due to multiple mechanical defects. The trend regarding the braking system is particularly concerning; the tester flagged imbalanced front brakes in both 2024 and 2025, with the most recent test showing they barely met the legal requirements. This suggests the owner only addresses mechanical faults when forced to by an MOT failure. At 78,318 miles, the car shows low mileage for a 14-year-old, averaging approximately 5,600 miles per year. This low usage profile often leads to accelerated degradation of rubber components and corrosion rather than mechanical wear. The record confirms this, with reports of perishing and cracking tyres in 2024 and a split CV boot in 2025. The consistent interval of roughly 6,000 miles between annual tests indicates steady use, but the vehicle has likely sat or exposed to environmental elements for long periods. A buyer must personally inspect the structural integrity of the front sub-frame and rear axle mounting areas. Although the 2024 test noted corrosion that was not yet critical, surface rust on low-mileage cars often progresses rapidly if not treated. The braking system requires a close look, specifically the excessive corrosion on the rear pipes noted in 2024 and the persistent imbalance in the front calipers, which may indicate sticking pistons or worn components. The suspension also warrants scrutiny, as the offside front ball joint was found to be excessively worn in the August 2025 failure. The recurring issue of a damaged offside front seat belt webbing, which remained a defect in both 2024 and 2025, represents a minor failure that requires attention to ensure the locking mechanism remains functional. Given the history of failing on tyres and structural components, the buyer should verify that the current condition of all rubber bushes and metalwork matches the state presented in the most recent pass.