2013 KIA Soul 1.6L Diesel · EK63 ABO

The 2013 KIA Soul’s most recent MOT test on 2025-10-02 confirms it remains roadworthy at 97,772 miles, though the immediate preceding test on 2025-09-30—just two days earlier—was a failure without recorded defects. This abrupt reversal suggests either a minor oversight in test conditions or a temporary anomaly, as no defects were logged in either instance. The pattern over the past three years shows consistent pass-to-fail cycles at the same mileage intervals (around 95,450 and 97,750 miles), with no substantive issues escalating. The absence of advisories or repeated faults implies the vehicle has not suffered progressive mechanical failures, though the lack of defects in failures is unusual and warrants scrutiny of the tester’s notes. The recorded mileage progression of roughly 7,500 miles annually aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, with no evidence of prolonged inactivity or excessive wear. The gap between tests is standard, with each MOT occurring precisely one year apart, and no sudden spikes or drops in mileage between tests. The consistent 13-mile interval between failures and passes—despite identical mileages—is noteworthy and may indicate a procedural quirk rather than a mechanical trend. There is no indication of deferred maintenance or aggressive driving patterns from the data alone. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear components not routinely captured in MOTs, such as suspension bushes and coil springs for excessive play or corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and sills. The repeated failures without defects suggest potential issues with brake binding or caliper seizure, which are not always flagged unless they manifest during dynamic testing. Structural integrity should also be assessed, especially in areas prone to rust in Kias of this era, such as the subframe and rear axle mounts. Finally, the absence of advisories in prior tests means no deferred repairs were noted, but this does not preclude hidden issues—tyres, wiper blades, and fluid levels remain critical for immediate roadworthiness.