2009 KIA Soul 1.6L Diesel · FP59 TLX

The mechanical fingerprint of this 2009 Kia Soul is dominated by a persistent and worsening front suspension and steering concern rather than any single major failure. Across six recorded tests, the nearside front track rod end ball joint has been flagged with slight play on five occasions from 2021 onwards, and a 2023 test recorded a Major defect for an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint excessively worn, alongside an earlier advisory for the same component. The most recent examination on 30 December 2025 passed but added two further advisories for both front track rod end ball joints and both front coil springs, indicating that the deterioration pattern is continuing rather than stabilising. While the car remains legally roadworthy, the accumulation of steering and suspension advisories across nearly every test since 2021 is a clear mechanical concern for any prospective buyer. With 83,631 miles recorded against a 2009 registration, this vehicle has averaged roughly 4,919 miles per year, which is notably low for its age. MOT tests have been conducted annually without any significant gaps, suggesting the car has not been laid up for prolonged periods despite the modest annual mileage. Low accumulation rates of this nature reduce wear on high-mileage items such as the clutch, drivetrain and interior components, but the recorded history shows that the front suspension and steering consumables are nevertheless subject to age-related degradation, with rubber bushes, ball joints and coil springs all susceptible to perishing and fatigue regardless of mileage covered. A prospective buyer should treat the front end of this Soul as the primary area for scrutiny. The track rod end ball joints have been flagged consistently and on the most recent test, so any clonking, knocking or vague steering response over uneven roads or during full-lock manoeuvres would warrant immediate attention. The front coil spring advisories from December 2025 suggest the springs are beginning to lose material or sag, which can manifest as a lower ride height on one corner, a noise when traversing speed bumps, or uneven tyre wear. The 2023 lower suspension arm ball joint Major defect indicates the offside arm was likely replaced; during inspection, it would be prudent to check whether a quality replacement was fitted and whether the surrounding bushes show signs of perishing. On a test drive, pay particular attention to steering precision, any pulling to one side under braking, and any wandering behaviour at motorway speeds, all of which could indicate accumulated play in the front end. Brake-related advisories are also present, with a binding offside front service brake and wearing front brake pads noted in early 2024. A binding caliper can lead to uneven pad wear, pulling under braking and eventual disc damage, so the buyer should feel for the car dragging on a warm day and inspect the offside front disc for scoring or hot patches after driving. The 2022 dangerous failures for sub-1.6mm tread on all four tyres and the 2023 dangerous tyre bulge failure suggest the car may have been fitted with budget tyres or left standing long enough for the sidewalls to deteriorate. The front windscreen minor damage, recorded in 2023, should be visually inspected for any spreading cracks. Given the consistent steering and suspension wear pattern, a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist with the car on a lift would be strongly advisable to quantify the remaining life of the front suspension and steering components.