2014 KIA RIO 1.2L Petrol · LF14 GKC

The vehicle currently holds a clean MOT status following its most recent test on 6 March 2026 at 17,640 miles. The maintenance trend appears to be improving, as the vehicle has moved from a period of intermittent failures to several consecutive clean passes. While the 2025 test required attention to the supplementary restraint system and windscreen washer system, the subsequent 2026 result indicates these specific faults were rectified. The mileage pattern shows extremely low usage for a 2014 model, averaging approximately 1,470 miles per year. This low-use profile is evident in the progression from 2,374 miles in 2017 to 17,640 miles in 2026. Such infrequent driving can lead to specific maintenance issues, as seen in the March 2023 test where all four tyres showed significant wear or perishing. This suggests the vehicle may sit idle for long periods, which often causes rubber components to degrade through age rather than through physical wear. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the suspension and rubber components. The March 2024 failure involving a serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber indicates that damping components can fail even at low mileages. Given the 2023 advisories regarding tyre cracking and perishing, a physical inspection of all tyres, including the age of the rubber, is necessary to ensure they are not structurally compromised by age. The 2025 failure regarding the SRS warning lamp necessitates a verification that the airbag system is fully functional and that no residual fault codes remain in the ECU. While the recent clean MOT is encouraging, the history of shock absorber leaks and tyre degradation suggests that while the mechanical drivetrain likely sees little stress, the peripheral consumables and suspension elements require careful scrutiny due to the vehicle's long periods of inactivity.