2014 KIA Soul 1.6L Diesel · LG64 MRV

The2014 KIA SOUL's MOT history reveals a pattern of intermittent issues spanning nearly a decade, culminating in a clean pass on 2026-01-22. Early in the record, tyre wear alarms appeared in late 2020 and again in early 2021 alongside oil misting from the rear shock absorbers, followed by a front suspension arm ball joint failure in February 2024. These events suggest the vehicle accumulated minor problems over time rather than experiencing a single catastrophic event. The absence of any new failures since the January 2026 test indicates the underlying systems have held, though the cumulative minor flags warrant a closer examination of the specific components that triggered each warning. At 111,690 miles and approximately 12 years old, the vehicle averages just under nine thousand miles per year, which aligns with typical usage patterns for its age. The gap between the failed test on 2024-02-22 and the subsequent pass on 2025-02-19 spans approximately eight months, showing timely intervention after the suspension arm issue was identified. The next interval until the January 2026 pass covers nearly a full year without any recorded failures, suggesting the car has remained stable following the earlier repairs. However, the presence of multiple minor advisories—particularly the front suspension arm wear and the rear shock oil misting—points to a usage profile involving moderate driving cycles that placed regular stress on the suspension and braking system. The front lower suspension arm ball joint failure documented on 2024-02-22 represents the most significant mechanical concern in the history, as excessive wear typically leads to increased vertical movement and noise over bumps. On a test drive, the buyer should note whether the front end feels loose or if there is a distinct knocking sound when passing small obstacles, as the worn ball joint will often transmit irregularities through the chassis. Additionally, the rear shock absorber oil misting reported in 2021 warrants checking the rear brake line and subframe area for any fresh oil residue or visible seepage, as prolonged oil exposure can indicate internal bearing wear that may compromise braking efficiency if not addressed promptly. Regarding the tyres, while the most recent MOT showed no tyre-related issues, the historical record contains three separate warnings across 2020, 2021, and 2023 regarding near-limit wear and one instance of oil contamination on the rear shock, collectively indicating that the tyre sidewalls and contact patches received considerable stress. A visual inspection during the test drive should confirm that the tyres remain within legal dimensions and that there are no cuts, bulges, or uneven wear patterns. Given the front suspension arm replacement requirement and the possibility of residual fatigue in related subframe components, the buyer should treat the suspension system as a priority item regardless of the current clean MOT status.