2016 KIA Ceed 1.4L Diesel · LB65 WCF

A clear pattern of suspension and tyre wear has emerged across the MOT history of this 2016 Kia Ceed, with the most recent test on 25 November 2025 returning a clean pass and no advisories recorded, suggesting that the items previously flagged have been addressed in the intervening period. The earlier record is not unblemished, however. A dangerous failure was issued on 29 January 2024 due to a nearside front tyre falling below the legal 1.6mm tread limit, and this was accompanied by advisories for perishing on both rear tyres, rear brake disc wear, and an offside front tyre worn down to 2mm. Going further back, a major defect was recorded on 25 January 2023 for an excessively worn suspension arm pin or bush on the nearside front, which was carried forward as an advisory on the subsequent pass. Across the seven tests documented, there has been one dangerous failure, one major defect, and multiple recurring advisories relating to front suspension components, front and rear tyre condition, and rear brake wear and binding, indicating that the front axle in particular has been a consistent area of attention. The recorded mileage of 39,054 miles across a ten-year vehicle age equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 3,900 miles, which is markedly low for a car of this vintage. This rate of use implies either significant periods of inactivity or predominantly short, light journeys. Such usage patterns tend to produce specific mechanical consequences rather than uniform wear, with brake discs and pads susceptible to surface corrosion and binding from infrequent use, rubber components including tyres, bushes and drive belts prone to perishing and cracking due to age rather than mileage, and the undercarriage at greater risk of corrosion from standing on damp surfaces. The MOT record aligns with this, showing persistent advisory entries for tyre perishing and rear brake disc wear and binding despite the modest overall mileage. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension should be the primary focus of any physical inspection, given the major defect recorded on the nearside front arm bush in early 2023. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, and during full-lock turning, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering. The condition of the lower suspension arms, anti-roll bar drop links and any replacement bushes should be visually checked for perishing, cracking, or oil contamination from dampening fluid. The rear brake system warrants equally close scrutiny, as the repeated advisories for binding and disc wear suggest a caliper that may not be fully releasing; this can be evaluated by rolling the vehicle on a flat surface with the handbrake released to feel for residual drag, and by checking for uneven disc surface corrosion or hot spots after a short drive. Tyre condition remains the other critical check, given the dangerous tread failure in 2024 and the recurring perishing advisories on the rear pair. Even with apparently adequate tread depth, the sidewalls should be examined closely for cracks, crazing, and bulges, particularly on the rear tyres where perishing was noted as recently as January 2024. Because the annual mileage is low, particular attention should also be paid to components that degrade with age rather than use, including coolant and brake fluid condition, the condition of the exhaust mounting rubbers and hangers, and any signs of underfloor or suspension subframe corrosion that may have developed during periods of standing. A thorough roadworthiness inspection with the vehicle raised on a lift would be strongly advisable to confirm the integrity of the previously flagged suspension components and to verify that the brake calipers are functioning correctly.