2014 KIA RIO 1.4L Petrol · EU14 VTK

The 2026‑02‑16 MOT at 68,116 miles passed with no defects, confirming current roadworthiness, yet the 2026‑02‑14 failure at identical mileage revealed rear brake disc wear, pad thickness below 1.5 mm, rear service brake binding and a compromised off‑side rear suspension arm ball‑joint dust cover, indicating that the vehicle required remedial work before the recent pass. Mileage has risen from 55,760 miles in the 2024‑02‑26 test to 61,464 miles at the 2025‑02‑14 test, an increase of 5,704 miles over twelve months, and then to 68,116 miles by the 2026‑02‑14/16 tests, adding another 6,652 miles in the following year; this steady accumulation, combined with an average annual mileage of roughly 5,700 miles, reflects a pattern of intermittent use rather than prolonged storage. Recurring observations include severe deterioration of the off‑side front lower suspension arm ball‑joint dust cover in 2025 and continued exposure of the ball joint in 2026, rear brake binding and pad wear that have persisted across multiple tests, and tyre defects such as exposed cords and tears on the inner edges of both rear tyres and edge wear on the near‑side tyres; a buyer should therefore inspect the suspension bushings and ball joints for play or corrosion, verify brake disc thickness and pad condition, test for binding in the rear service brakes, and examine tyre wear patterns and structural integrity for any hidden rust. Overall, the vehicle demonstrates a history of intermittent neglect on critical mechanical components despite a recent successful MOT, so a thorough pre‑purchase inspection focusing on suspension, braking and tyre condition is essential to confirm that the reported repairs have eliminated the underlying risks.