2010 KIA Venga 1.4L Petrol · DN10 WME

The most recent MOT, carried out on 16 December 2025, was passed but flagged a near‑side front tyre approaching the legal tread limit and showing edge wear. Over the last six years the record shows a clear deterioration: in 2024 the vehicle failed due to a dangerous near‑side track‑rod end ball‑joint wear, and recurring advisories have highlighted corrosion on both rear brake hoses and severe deterioration of the off‑side front CV boot. Earlier tests were clean, but the emergence of safety‑critical faults in the last two years indicates a worsening maintenance trend and a need for immediate remedial work before the next test. At 75 952 miles the car averages roughly 4 700 miles per year, which is low for a sixteen‑year‑old model. Such modest annual mileage often reflects periods of limited use or extended storage, which can accelerate age‑related decay even when wear from distance is low. The low utilisation means that components such as rubber hoses, boots, tyres and the battery may have deteriorated from time rather than mileage, while any high‑speed mileage that has been logged could have concentrated wear on the front suspension and steering geometry. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear brake hoses on both sides; the slight corrosion to the ferrules reported in successive years can lead to hose failure, loss of brake pressure and reduced stopping performance. Inspect the hoses for any signs of cracking, swelling or fluid seepage, and consider a full brake‑fluid flush and hose replacement as a preventive measure. The off‑side front CV boot is described as severely deteriorated, which will allow contaminant ingress to the joint and can cause joint failure, CV shaft noise and eventual loss of drive. Verify the condition of the boot and the joint itself, listening for a constant‑velocity joint whine during a low‑speed turn, and replace the boot or the entire axle assembly if any grease is leaking. The near‑side track‑rod end ball‑joint that was deemed dangerous must be examined for excessive play or looseness; any clunk or vague steering feel on a straight‑line pull‑away or during cornering would confirm the need for replacement. The anti‑roll bar linkage ball joints, noted with slight play in 2021, should also be checked for wear and tightened or fitted with new bushings if any looseness is detected. Because the vehicle has spent long periods idle, age‑related checks are essential. Examine all four tyres for side‑wall cracking, dry rot or uneven wear, especially the front tyres that were previously noted as perishing. Verify tyre age by the four‑digit DOT code; any tyre older than six years should be replaced irrespective of tread depth. Inspect the 12 V battery for terminal corrosion and perform a load test to confirm it can sustain cranking under load, as batteries lose capacity after five to seven years even with low mileage. Look for rust on the chassis, suspension mounting points and under‑body panels, which can develop when a car sits for extended periods. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil, filter and coolant changes at appropriate intervals; if the records are missing, plan for a comprehensive fluid change, including brake, clutch and gearbox fluids, to mitigate the effects of calendar degradation.