2021 KIA Xceed First Edition Phev S-A 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · LC70 VNZ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a persistent issue with suspension components and tyre neglect. The most recent test in January 2026 at 70,311 miles followed an immediate failure just three miles prior due to exposed cords on the nearside rear tyre. While the car passed the retest, the tester again flagged both the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm bushes as worn. This recurring fault across multiple years indicates that the front suspension is reaching the end of its functional life and requires proactive attention. At 70,311 miles over five years, this Kia has averaged approximately 14,000 miles per year, which significantly exceeds the national average for a modern hybrid. The high usage rate places accelerated stress on mechanical linkages and rubber components. Between the December 2024 and January 2026 tests, the vehicle covered over 8,400 miles in just thirteen months. This rapid accumulation suggests heavy motorway or urban commuting, which explains the premature wear on the suspension bushings and the frequent tyre related issues noted in the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension to check for excessive play in the lower arms, as the history shows this defect has persisted since at least late 2024. The history of inner-edge wear and exposed cords suggests potential alignment issues or worn-out shocks and geometry that needs to be addressed to prevent further premature tyre failure. Furthermore, the pattern of failing on tyre-related defects indicates that the previous owner only addressed maintenance when an MOT failure occurred rather than performing routine preventative checks. A check of the remaining tyre tread and sidewall integrity is essential.