2018 KIA RIO 1.2L Petrol · JB52 RAF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following its most recent test in August 2025, but the maintenance trend indicates a recurring issue with front steering geometry. While the car passed at 94,560 miles, the history shows a failure just months prior due to a serious fluid leak on the offside rear shock absorber. The persistent play in the nearside front track rod end ball joint across three consecutive years suggests that the previous owner deferred preventative suspension repairs until components reached a critical failure point. The mileage pattern remains consistent with typical annual usage for a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 11,800 miles per year. There is a clear progression of 10,448 miles between the August 2024 test at 74,112 miles and the August 2025 test at 94,560 miles. Another 22,371-mile interval is recorded between 2023 and 2024. This steady accumulation suggests the car is used regularly, which explains the wear on high-friction components like suspension bushings and braking systems. A buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of the front suspension to ensure the track rod end has finally been replaced with a quality component. The recurring nature of this fault between 2023, 2024, and 2025 indicates a lack of proactive maintenance. Given the previous failure for a leaking rear shock absorber in 2025, the buyer should also check for signs of oil weeping or premature wear on the remaining shocks to ensure the entire assembly is not nearing the end of its service life.