2016 KIA Soul 1.6L Diesel · FH16 FVV

A missing nearside front upper anti‑roll bar ball‑joint dust cover, recorded as a major failure in the May 2026 MOT, is the most significant mechanical issue, exposing the joint to contaminants and risking premature wear of the suspension linkage. This failure sits alongside a consistent series of advisories over the past three years for tyre edge wear, brake‑disc corrosion and low front brake pad thickness, as well as an oil leak noted around the gearbox area in 2025. While the vehicle has passed each annual test, the pattern shows a gradual accumulation of wear‑related items rather than a clean record. The odometer reads 63,681 mi after ten years, averaging roughly 6,300 mi per annum, which aligns with typical usage for a family hatchback of this age. No substantial gaps appear in the MOT chronology, indicating the vehicle has been driven regularly enough to generate mileage but not at a rate that would accelerate component fatigue beyond normal expectations. The moderate annual accumulation suggests wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and discs should be proportionate to the recorded mileage, but the presence of multiple tyre‑edge advisories hints at possible aggressive cornering or uneven loading that may have shortened tyre life. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the nearside front suspension. On a test drive, listen for any clunk or knock when traversing bumps, and feel for steering looseness or pull that could indicate a compromised ball joint or deteriorated bushings. The brake system warrants close inspection: the recurring corrosion advisories and low‑pad warnings mean the discs may be scored and the pads nearing the minimum thickness, so verify pad depth and disc surface condition, and note any pulsation or increased pedal effort under braking. The gearbox‑area oil leak reported in 2025 should be checked for fresh fluid on the under‑tray or around the rear of the transmission housing; any persistent seepage could affect gear lubrication and lead to shifting anomalies. During a thorough walk‑around, confirm that all tyre tread depths meet legal limits and that sidewalls are free from cuts or bulges, especially on the front‑right (osf) and rear‑right (osr) tyres which have been flagged for edge wear. Ensure the undertray is intact and not contributing to the earlier oil‑leak advisory. Finally, verify that the adult seat‑belt on the nearside rear seat can be fully inspected and operates correctly now that the child seat is removed. A qualified pre‑purchase inspection focusing on the anti‑roll bar dust cover replacement, brake service and any necessary tyre replacement will provide the most reliable indication of the vehicle’s roadworthiness going forward.