2019 KIA Stonic 1.0L Petrol · DV19 BXZ

This Kia Stonic presents as fundamentally sound, with a maintenance trend that is stable but requires attention to a known steering fault. The most recent test on 12 February 2026 at 48,147 miles resulted in a pass, yet the tester flagged play in the offside front steering rack inner joint. This same advisory appeared on the preceding failed test on 11 February 2026 at 48,146 miles, where a defective nearside front side repeater also caused a failure. The repeater defect was rectified before the retest, but the steering rack play persisted as an advisory rather than a failure point, suggesting the wear has not yet reached a critical threshold but is a developing concern. The mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for a vehicle of this age. At roughly 6,878 miles per year, the Stonic sits squarely within typical usage parameters. The record shows a clean pass in February 2025 at 43,816 miles and another in February 2024 at 40,313 miles, indicating steady annual increments of approximately 3,500 miles. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer readings that would suggest long periods of inactivity or clocking. The maintenance history is sparse but regular, with annual tests conducted each February, and the mileage progression aligns precisely with those test dates. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components, given the recurring advisory. The offside front steering rack inner joint play flagged in February 2026 warrants a close check for clunking over uneven surfaces or vagueness in the steering wheel. Have the vehicle raised to inspect the inner tie rod boots for splits or contamination, as ingress accelerates joint wear. The advisory has not worsened into a failure between the two February 2026 tests, but steering rack issues can deteriorate rapidly under load. Budget for a thorough front-end geometry check and potential inner tie rod replacement if the play is perceptible on the ramp. Beyond the steering, the 2023 advisory for thin offside rear brake pads at 33,423 miles indicates the rear braking system has been working harder than the front, which is unusual on a front-wheel-drive supermini. Inspect the rear brake discs for scoring and the calipers for binding, as a sticking caliper often causes uneven pad wear. Check the rear suspension bushes and coil springs for corrosion or sag, particularly if the vehicle has been used on salted roads. The clean passes in 2024 and 2025 suggest no major structural corrosion was evident at those mileages, but a fresh underbody inspection remains prudent before purchase.