2018 KIA Picanto 1.2L Petrol · DF68 LVP

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift from clean records to recurring consumable defects. While the most recent test in December 2025 at 13,889 miles was a pass, the tester flagged all four tyres for cracking and perishing. This issue mirrors the advisory from the December 2024 test, indicating that the rubber is degrading due to age and inactivity rather than tread wear. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,736 miles per year. Between December 2021 and December 2025, the car covered only 5,220 miles, suggesting a history of short urban trips or long periods of storage. This low usage often prevents significant mechanical wear on the drivetrain and suspension components, but it directly contributes to the visible deterioration of rubber-based parts like tyres and seals, which dry out over time without the benefit of regular use. A buyer must prioritize an inspection of the tyres, as the repeated perishing faults suggest they are nearing the structural end despite potentially having sufficient depth. Given the low mileage, the inspector should also check the brake discs for corrosion or pitting, which frequently occurs when vehicles sit stationary for extended periods. Additionally, verifying the integrity of the suspension bushes and hoses is essential, as low-mileage cars can still suffer cracking in rubber components that are not captured during a standard MOT inspection.