2009 KIA Picanto 1.0L Petrol · FN59 VBZ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 27 May 2026, although the overall maintenance trend appears stagnant or slightly deteriorating. There is a recurring pattern of neglected consumables and safety equipment, most notably the persistent fraying of the offside front seat belt and slow retraction of the nearside front belt, which have appeared across multiple years of testing. The failure in June 2025 due to a binding rear brake and non-functional stop lamps suggests a period where basic maintenance and pre-test checks were overlooked. With a recorded mileage of 83,310 miles over seventeen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 4,901 miles per annum. This is significantly lower than the UK average, indicating the car has likely spent long periods stationary or been used for very short urban journeys. While this results in lower mechanical wear on the engine and drivetrain, it increases the risk of age-related degradation of rubber components and the accumulation of surface corrosion on braking surfaces, a trend already evidenced in the vehicle's history. During a physical inspection and test drive, particular attention must be paid to the braking system. The previous failure for a binding nearside rear brake and the recurring advisories for corroded front discs suggest a susceptibility to seizure from standing. Listen for abnormal grinding noises and feel for any pulling or shuddering under braking. Furthermore, the recorded play in the nearside front upper suspension mount should be investigated; listen for clunks or knocks when traversing uneven road surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring. The history of exhaust flexi pipe blows also necessitates a check for audible leaks or excessive vibration under acceleration. Given the low annual mileage, the buyer should scrutinise the condition of all rubber components. Check the tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking, as the 2022 records already noted perishing on the rear tyres. Verify the age of the tyres, as rubber degrades regardless of tread depth. Additionally, check the 12V battery health and examine the engine oil and coolant for signs of degradation or contamination, as calendar-based fluid changes are critical for vehicles that do not reach operating temperature regularly. Finally, ensure the service book is stamped to confirm that oil changes have occurred based on time rather than just mileage.