2012 KIA Ceed 1.6L Petrol · EX62 DCE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. The most recent test in early September 2025 at 14,421 miles shows a pass immediately following a failure the previous day. While the car met the minimum standard, the recurring presence of defects such as a deforming steering rack gaiter, perishing tyres, and corroded brake discs indicates that the owner only addresses faults once they threaten to cause an MOT failure. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,030 miles per year. Between September 2023 and September 2025, the car covered only 1,706 miles. This low usage often results in less mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine components, but it significantly increases the risk of degradation in rubber-based parts. The evidence of tyre cracking and sidewall splits noted in both 2023 and 2025 confirms that the materials are failing due to age and oxidation rather than distance travelled. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the steering and suspension assembly. The nearside steering rack gaiter that failed in 2025 is a critical point; a torn boot allows grit into the internal seals, leading to premature failure. Furthermore, the pitted nearside front brake disc noted in the September 2025 test suggests the vehicle sits stationary for long periods, allowing surface corrosion to etch the metal surfaces. You should also check all tyres for deep-set cracking in the sidewalls, as the record shows a consistent failure to replace aged rubber despite the low tread depth.