2012 KIA RIO 1.4L Diesel · GY62 ABF

The vehicle shows signs of a worsening maintenance trend, evidenced by a significant failure in June 2026. While the car passed its most recent test on 15 June 2026 at 165,095 miles, the preceding failure just four days earlier reveals a pattern of neglected consumable items. The tester flagged multiple critical issues including structural tyre failures, worn rear brake pads and discs, a split nearside inner drive shaft CV boot, and missing wheel fixings. The recent pass leaves only minor advisories regarding light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber and slight play in the lower steering column universal joint. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 11,800 miles per year. The record shows steady usage from 2015 through 2023, with a notable jump of roughly 31,000 miles between the June 2023 and June 2026 tests. This indicates the vehicle has been in regular use over the last three years. However, the high number of failures in the 2026 test suggests that while the mileage is typical, the maintenance of essential safety components has lapsed during this period. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and tyres. The 2026 failure history shows a recurring inability to maintain tyres and brakes to legal standards, with similar issues noted in 2022 and 2018. The recent presence of pitted or scored brake discs and thin pads suggests the braking hardware may be nearing the end of its service life despite the recent pass. The reported light misting on the nearside rear shock absorber should be monitored to ensure it does not develop into a more significant leak requiring full replacement. The steering column universal joint requires close scrutiny during a test drive to check for excessive play or noise. The split CV boot noted in June 2026 implies that the nearside inner drive shaft may soon require attention if the joint has already suffered ingress of grit or moisture. Given the previous failure for inoperative engine MIL and exhaust emissions in 2022 and 2026, the engine management system and emission control components should be verified for consistent operation.