2009 KIA Soul 1.6L Diesel · DV09 DXY

The 2009 Kia Soul presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 24 July 2025 at 134,614 miles with zero defects recorded. This is a significant turnaround from the previous 24 months, during which the vehicle failed twice on suspension and steering defects before being rectified. The most recent test, conducted just under 12 months ago, confirms that all previously flagged safety-critical items have been addressed and the vehicle currently meets roadworthiness standards. The mileage pattern is consistent and unremarkable for a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,918 miles per year. Between the July 2024 test at 124,431 miles and the July 2025 test at 134,614 miles, the vehicle covered 10,183 miles in 12 months, indicating a period of heavier use following a relatively stable earlier trajectory. The 2023 test recorded 118,813 miles, meaning only 5,618 miles were added across the prior 12-month interval. This uneven usage pattern suggests the vehicle may have spent extended periods stationary before 2024, which is consistent with the corrosion-related defects that surfaced during that testing cycle. Buyers should pay close attention to the structural corrosion history. In July 2024, all four coil springs were flagged for corrosion, and the nearside rear bumper bracket was also corroded. These items were rectified before the 2025 pass, but underbody and suspension mounting points should be inspected in person for ongoing corrosion, particularly around the rear suspension prescribed area that was flagged as inadequately repaired in the July 2025 failure. The rear brake pipes were also flagged as corroded and grease-covered in 2023, and while these were addressed, any vehicle with a history of corrosion in brake lines warrants a thorough inspection of the entire braking system, including pipework, unions, and flexible hoses. The steering and suspension components have been a recurring concern. Track rod end ball joints failed in both 2024 and 2025, and lower suspension arm ball joints and dust covers were flagged in 2024. These are wear-prone consumables, but the frequency of replacement suggests either aggressive use or deferred maintenance in earlier years. A buyer should test-drive the vehicle and check for clunking, uneven tyre wear, and excessive play in the steering. The rear brake discs were flagged as worn and pitted in 2024, and while the 2025 pass confirms these were replaced, the rear handbrake efficiency was low in 2023, indicating a pattern of rear braking system neglect that should be verified through a live road test.