2019 KIA Niro 1.6L Hybrid electric · FY69 OFJ

The 2019 Kia Niro presents a stable and broadly positive roadworthiness record, passing every MOT test on record without a single failure. The maintenance trend is stable, though the most recent test on 8 September 2025 at 28,167 miles introduced a cluster of new advisories that mark a shift from the clean sheets recorded between 2022 and 2023. The vehicle remains legally roadworthy, but the pattern of deterioration flagged in that latest test warrants closer scrutiny before purchase. Mileage accumulation tells a consistent story of genuinely light use. The car covered 12,284 miles by September 2022, 16,932 by September 2023, 22,866 by September 2024, and 28,167 by September 2025, averaging roughly 4,000 miles per year over seven years. This is well below the UK average and suggests short, regular journeys rather than long motorway runs, which can be harder on components like the DPF and exhaust aftertreatment system in a hybrid powertrain. The steady year-on-year accumulation shows no suspicious gaps or sudden spikes, indicating the vehicle has been in continuous use rather than sitting idle for extended periods. The recurring theme across the last two MOT tests is tyre degradation. In September 2024 at 22,866 miles, the tester flagged cracking and perishing on the offside front and rear tyres. By September 2025 at 28,167 miles, the problem had spread to all four corners, with the nearside front tyre also flagged for a cut on the outer shoulder and the offside front and rear tyres noted as badly cracked or perished. This progression suggests the tyres are ageing rather than wearing through use, a common issue on low-mileage vehicles that sit for long periods. A buyer should inspect all four sidewalls carefully for deep cracking, sidewall bulges, and the date codes stamped on each tyre to confirm age, and budget for a full set of replacements regardless of remaining tread depth. Beyond the tyres, the absence of any suspension, braking, or structural corrosion defects across four consecutive tests is encouraging for a seven-year-old vehicle. Still, the Niro's hybrid system means the petrol engine may run infrequently, so the 12-volt battery, high-voltage battery health, and regenerative braking function should be checked independently. The nearside front tyre's cut is a potential failure point under load and should be examined by a tyre specialist to determine whether it penetrates beyond the outer rubber layer. Overall, the record reflects a lightly used car with no mechanical red flags, but the tyre condition flagged in the most recent test is the single area a buyer must verify thoroughly before committing.