2010 KIA Picanto 1.1L Petrol · FG60 HMA

The vehicle’s roadworthiness record reveals a concerning deterioration in maintenance standards over the past two years, culminating in a December 2025 failure that required multiple critical repairs. The most recent MOT, just six months ago at 88,997 miles, passed without defects, but the December 2025 test exposed severe issues: a fractured offside rear coil spring, perishing tyres on both rear and near-side front positions, and worn front tyres nearing the legal limit. The presence of an oil leak—despite being classified as non-excessive—alongside degraded suspension components like a compromised ball joint dust cover suggests neglect of fluid management and wear-and-tear items. Exhaust emissions also fell outside limits, indicating either a failing catalytic converter or sensor. While the 2024 and 2023 tests showed no defects, the December 2023 failure for a non-functional position lamp was trivial and does not reflect broader mechanical health. The trend is unambiguously worsening, with structural and suspension failures emerging only in the last cycle. The recorded mileage of 88,997 miles over 16 years—approximately 5,562 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, implying prolonged periods of inactivity or very light use. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests (7,907 miles in a year) is typical, but the subsequent 12,000 miles covered between December 2024 and December 2025—despite failing twice—suggests the owner may have resumed regular driving after a dormant period. This could explain accelerated wear on tyres and suspension, as components left unused for years degrade more rapidly upon reactivation. The lack of intermediate MOTs or service records further obscures whether routine maintenance was performed during these gaps, leaving critical components like brakes, fluids, and suspension unmonitored. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate, thorough inspection of the rear suspension, particularly the offside coil spring and associated mounting points, as the fractured component poses a direct risk to structural integrity and handling. The perishing tyres—both front and rear—demand replacement, with the front tyres already worn beyond safe limits. Binding or uneven brake wear should be checked, as the 2025 failure hints at potential caliper or rotor issues. Oil leaks, even minor, warrant verification of the source (e.g., valve cover gasket, rear main seal) and fluid levels, while the exhaust emissions failure necessitates a diagnostic scan for fault codes related to the lambda sensor or catalytic converter. Corrosion in wheel arches or suspension components should also be scrutinised, as the vehicle’s age increases susceptibility to rust-related failures. Independent verification of these areas is essential, as the MOT record alone cannot confirm whether repairs were performed correctly or if underlying issues persist.