2012 KIA RIO 1.2L Petrol · LD62 NFN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding surface corrosion and component degradation. While it passed its most recent test in September 2024 at 68,581 miles, the tester flagged a significant volume of advisories that were not present in previous years. The shift from a clean sheet in 2023 to a long list of corrosion issues in 2024 indicates that the vehicle is now reacting to age-related decay despite its low mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 14-year-old car, averaging approximately 4,900 miles per year. This low usage is evident in the gaps, such as the roughly 1,500 miles driven between October 2023 and September 2024. However, the record suggests that long periods of inactivity have contributed to mechanical failures. The 2021 test revealed rear tyres that were cracked and perished, a classic symptom of a vehicle sitting for extended periods where the rubber dries out rather than wearing out through use. A buyer must conduct a thorough underbody inspection of the structural integrity and suspension components. The 2024 test identified corrosion on the front and rear sub-frames, as well as MacphPherson struts and suspension arms. While the tester noted these were not yet seriously weakened, the presence of rust across multiple mounting points suggests the process is accelerating. The braking system also shows recurring issues with corroded brake hoses and ferrules noted in 2020, 2021, and 2024. The brake discs require close attention due to pitting and scoring, which caused a failure in 2022 and appeared again in 2024. Because the car is driven infrequently, these defects likely stem from surface rust forming while the stationary. The buyer should verify that the brake hoses have been replaced or monitored closely, as the corrosion on the ferrrules is a persistent fault across several years that could eventually lead to sudden hydraulic failure if left unaddressed.