2005 KIA RIO 1.4L Petrol · LD55 VBU

The current MOT record indicates the vehicle is roadworthy, but the history reveals a persistent and worsening maintenance trend. The most recent test in September 2023 failed at 96,389 miles, confirming the vehicle remains within the legal 12-month window. This failure, occurring well before the current date, suggests the owner has likely skipped regular servicing, leading to accelerated wear on critical components. The mileage pattern is characterized by a significant gap between the 2021 and 2020 tests, where the vehicle was tested at 96,389 miles on September 8th and 93,855 miles on September 24th respectively. This 2,534-mile interval represents a substantial accumulation of miles, which, given the vehicle's age of approximately 21 years, indicates that the owner may have driven the car more frequently than usual or maintained it less frequently, accelerating the degradation of suspension and drivetrain parts. Given the recurring failure on the 2021 test and the lack of records for the 2020 test, the vehicle carries a significant risk of structural integrity issues and brake failure. The buyer must inspect the rear brakes and suspension bushes for binding, excessive play, or corrosion, and check the wheel alignment and suspension bushings for wear. A failed MOT in September 2023 is a serious red flag, as it implies the vehicle has not been serviced in a way that would prevent future failures, and the owner likely has a history of neglecting routine checks that could lead to catastrophic breakdowns.