2021 KIA Niro 3 EV Electric · LB71 SZP

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 22 April 2026, although this followed a failure regarding headlamp aim and a defective registration plate lamp. Reviewing the history, the maintenance trend appears reactive rather than preventative. Multiple failures on basic consumables, such as lighting and tyres, indicate that the vehicle is often presented for testing without a prior comprehensive pre-inspection, which suggests a lack of rigorous routine upkeep by the previous owner. The recorded mileage of 148,609 miles is exceptionally high for a five year old vehicle, averaging nearly 30,000 miles per annum. Such intensive usage typically indicates long-distance motorway commuting, which is generally less stressful on the drivetrain than urban stop-start driving. However, this level of accumulation accelerates the wear and tear of all chassis components, including suspension bushings, wheel bearings, and steering rack tolerances, necessitating a more critical evaluation of the vehicle's mechanical fatigue. Particular attention must be paid to the tyres and wheel alignment. The history reveals a dangerous failure due to exposed cords on the offside front tyre and an advisory for inner edge wear on the nearside front. This pattern strongly suggests a tracking issue or worn suspension components that are causing premature and uneven tyre degradation. During a test drive, listen for abnormal road noise and inspect the current tyre treads for similar inner-edge wear, as this would indicate a requirement for a full four-wheel alignment and potential replacement of control arm bushes. Given the high mileage and the previous advisory regarding a smooth brake pedal, the braking system should be thoroughly assessed. While electric vehicles benefit from regenerative braking, the physical brake discs can suffer from surface corrosion or binding calipers due to infrequent use. Ensure the brake pedal feels firm and the vehicle stops straight without shuddering. Additionally, verify the service history for calendar-based maintenance, specifically the brake fluid replacement and coolant checks, and inspect the interior for excessive wear on the driver's seat bolsters and steering wheel, which will reflect the true intensity of the vehicle's usage.