2009 KIA RIO 1.4L Petrol · LC09 NNU

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive rather than proactive upkeep. While it passed its most recent test in May 2026 at 65,635 miles, it failed just one month prior due to significant steering and suspension defects. The tester identified a severely deteriorated nearside anti-roll bar linkage and a track rod end with excessive play. These mechanical failures suggest that the owner only addresses suspension components once they trigger an MOT failure, rather than performing routine preventative inspections of the running gear. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a vehicle from 2009, averaging approximately 3,800 miles per year. Between May 2023 and May 2026, the car covered only 9,520 miles, confirming a pattern of low annual usage. However, this low mileage often correlates with age-related degradation of rubber components. The May 2026 record flagged cracking and perishing on the offside rear tyre, which is a classic symptom of tyres that have sat for long periods or have aged out of use despite having sufficient tread depth. A buyer must physically inspect the condition of all rubber components, specifically suspension bushes, boots, and tyre sidewalls, as the history shows a recurring issue with material degradation. The failure of the track rod end and anti-roll bar linkage indicates that the steering geometry is currently reaching the end of its functional life cycle. Given the vehicle's age and low mileage, a thorough check for structural corrosion on the sills and floor pans is essential, as low-use vehicles often suffer from hidden rust that standard MOT tests may not fully penetrate.