2017 KIA RIO 1.2L Petrol · DX67 NXD

The most recent MOT, carried out on 13 October 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, confirming that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that date. Over the six‑year MOT record the pattern is broadly stable: an advisory on front brake pad wear in 2020 was addressed, and tyre‑wear advisories have appeared in 2021, 2023 and 2024, but no outright failures have been recorded. The absence of recurring safety‑critical failures suggests that the owner has kept up with basic maintenance, although the repeated tyre‑wear notices indicate that tyre condition and possibly alignment or suspension health merit close scrutiny. At 98 005 mi the Rio averages roughly 10 900 mi per year, which is typical for a vehicle of its 2017 vintage. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage accumulation that would point to severe component fatigue, and the kilometre reading aligns with normal wear rates for the engine, transmission and driveline. Nonetheless, a vehicle approaching the 100‑k‑mile mark will have experienced considerable wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads, discs and suspension bushings, and the cumulative effect of mileage and age should be reflected in the condition of these parts. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the front tyres that have been flagged twice for edge wear. Measure tread depth on all four wheels and compare the figures with the legal minimum of 1.6 mm; any reading close to that limit, especially if uneven across the tyre width, may indicate mis‑alignment, worn camber/caster settings or degraded front suspension bushes. Feel for any steering wheel vibration or a slight pull to one side during a low‑speed drive, and listen for a metallic clunk when negotiating bumps, which would suggest worn ball joints or bushings. Examine the rear tyre that was noted in 2021; even if the tread appears adequate, check the sidewall for cracking or dry‑rot, as age‑related perishing can occur well before the tread is exhausted. Inspect the brake discs for surface scoring, rust spots or uneven thickness, and verify that the pads have been replaced since the 2020 advisory – a thin pad will manifest as a high‑pitched squeal that fades under firm braking, and a spongy pedal may hint at air in the system or worn pads. Beyond the tyres and brakes, assess the vehicle’s age‑related items. Test the 12 V battery voltage under load; a reading below 12.4 V when the engine is off or a noticeable drop under cranking suggests it may be nearing the end of its service life. Confirm that coolant, brake fluid and engine oil have been changed at the manufacturer‑recommended intervals – brake fluid should be refreshed at least every two years, and a visual inspection of the fluid colour can reveal contamination. Look for corrosion on the wheel arches, under‑body panels and exhaust, especially if the car has spent long periods stationary, as rust can compromise structural integrity. Finally, review the service book for regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable), and any recorded suspension or steering work; a well‑documented service history will give you confidence that the Rio has been cared for and that any impending maintenance can be budgeted for before purchase.