2009 KIA Carens 2.0L Diesel · FP09 TYK

The vehicle is currently overdue for its annual MOT, as the most recent test was conducted on 26 July 2023. While that test resulted in a pass at 130,914 miles, the record shows a pattern of reactive maintenance rather than preventative care. The 2023 pass included advisories for a damaged rear tyre, a damaged rear seat belt, and a defective front exhaust mounting, suggesting the car is entering a phase of general deterioration. The mileage is consistent with the vehicle's age, averaging roughly 7,701 miles per year. There is a notable gap in usage between June 2018 at 107,432 miles and June 2019 at 120,919 miles, where the car covered over 13,000 miles in a single year. Since 2021, the annual mileage has dropped significantly, with only 5,913 miles added between June 2022 and July 2023. A buyer must scrutinise the front suspension and steering geometry. The record shows a chronic issue with suspension components, with failures for ball joints and track rod ends in June 2021 and again in June 2022. The recurring presence of worn anti-roll bar bushes and suspension arm pins across multiple years indicates that these components are either frequently worn or were replaced with low-quality parts. Attention should also be paid to the braking system and electrical components. The June 2019 test flagged severely worn front and rear brake pads alongside imbalanced braking, which is a serious mechanical concern. Frequent failures for stop lamps and headlamps, combined with a recurring engine management light flagged in 2017 and 2019, suggest a lack of attention to basic electrical health. The history of tyres being worn to the legal limit or perishing indicates a neglect of basic consumable upkeep.