2017 KIA Stonic 1.0L Petrol · CV67 VOD

The most recent MOT inspection from February 2026 resulted in a pass, but it is critical to note that this followed a dangerous failure. This failure was due to the offside rear brake pads falling below the legal thickness limit, which represents a significant safety lapse. While the vehicle maintained a clean MOT record from 2020 through 2025, the recent emergence of a dangerous defect indicates a sudden decline in the maintenance of consumable components. The overall maintenance trend has shifted from stable to requiring corrective action, suggesting that the vehicle's service intervals may have been neglected recently. With a recorded mileage of 33,740 over nine years, the vehicle has covered approximately 3,749 miles per year. This is exceptionally low usage compared to typical UK driving patterns. While lower mileage generally implies less wear on the engine, gearbox, and suspension bushings, it carries specific risks associated with infrequent use. Low-mileage vehicles are prone to moisture ingress in the lubrication systems, carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, and the degradation of rubber seals and hoses due to a lack of thermal cycling. You should consider whether this low mileage is the result of careful ownership or if the vehicle has suffered from long periods of standing, which can lead to more complex mechanical issues than high-mileage driving. The recent brake-related failure and accompanying advisories regarding brake fluctuation on both the nearside and offside rear service brakes require close scrutiny. During your test drive, listen for any grinding noises from the rear and feel for any pulsation or shuddering through the brake pedal when applying pressure. Brake fluctuation often points to unevenly worn or warped brake discs, or potentially binding calipers that are not allowing the pads to retract fully. You must verify whether the rear brake discs were replaced at the same time as the pads to rectify the dangerous defect; fitting new pads to old, unevenly worn discs will result in poor braking performance and will likely cause the issue to recur quickly. Furthermore, because the vehicle has been driven so little, you must perform a physical inspection of age-related wear. Examine the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, as rubber components can degrade from UV exposure and age even if the tread depth remains high. Check the vehicle's underside for signs of corrosion on the exhaust system and suspension components, which can occur if the car has been stored in damp conditions. It is also essential to confirm that the service history includes time-based maintenance, such as annual oil changes and fluid replacements, rather than just mileage-based intervals, to ensure that the brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil have not become contaminated or lost their protective properties due to age.