2022 KIA Stonic 2 1.0L Petrol · FY22 TYF

This 2022 Kia Stonic presents a textbook clean-sheet DVSA record across its two recorded tests, with both the 2026-02-20 and 2025-02-27 examinations returning passes and zero advisories or defects logged. For a four-year-old crossover in this segment, that absence of recorded wear items, even on consumables that commonly trigger advisory notes such as tyres, brake components, or suspension bushings, is a strong objective indicator of consistent roadworthiness up to the point of last test. There is no pattern of recurring corrosion, no flagged structural or steering components, and no failed items requiring rectification. The mechanical story here is one of stability rather than deterioration, which materially de-risks the buyer's initial position before any physical inspection. The mileage profile, however, demands close attention. Covering roughly 60,550 miles in four years equates to around 15,138 miles annually, which is notably high for a small crossover of this age and well above the typical 7,000 to 9,000 miles many Stonics accumulate. With only two MOT entries on file and mileage rising from that baseline year on year, the drivetrain, clutch assembly, brake friction material, tyres, and suspension components will have absorbed substantially more wear than the clean advisory sheet might superficially suggest. High-mileage Stonics of this generation frequently present with accelerated wear on front brake discs and pads, premature front tyre shoulder wear, and early degradation of the rear dampers and anti-roll bar bushings due to the vehicle's slightly firm suspension calibration. Buyers should not interpret the empty advisory column as evidence of light use; it reflects only that nothing fell below the MOT pass threshold at the time of examination. For a test drive, focus on the dynamic symptoms typically associated with high-mileage small SUVs rather than generic checks. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the lower wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and top mounts, which are common wear points. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which would suggest front disc lipping or pad material transfer, and check for pulling to one side that could indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. On dual-carriageway running, listen for any rear axle rumble or knocking from the dampers over expansion joints, and inspect the rear brake discs for visible lipping or surface corrosion pitting. A physical inspection should also complement the road test, given the mileage. Verify tyre brand uniformity and check tread depths across the axle, as mismatched or unevenly worn tyres on a high-mileage Stonic often point to alignment drift or worn suspension geometry. Examine the underside for any oil residue around the engine sump, cam cover, and turbo oil return pipe, as well as CV gaiter integrity, since high annual mileage accelerates these leak points. Inspect the coolant expansion tank for discolouration and confirm the air conditioning blows cold, as compressor wear is mileage-related rather than age-related. With a clean MOT history but a heavy workload behind it, this Stonic remains a sound proposition provided the physical checks confirm that wear rates are proportionate to the distance covered rather than disproportionately accelerated.